Reds aiming to reclaim third place by beating Frickley

FC United are aiming to go back up to third place on Wednesday night as they entertain Frickley Athletic at Bower Fold in Stalybridge.

The Reds moved into third spot at the weekend with a 1-0 win over Northwich Victoria but Buxton’s 4-1 win at Stocksbridge on Tuesday night has put the Bucks two points ahead, although Karl Marginson’s side have tonight as a game in hand.

A victory against the West Yorkshire visitors would see United close the gap on second placed Colwyn Bay to just three points with a game in hand and it would also put the Reds six points clear of the chasing pack who are trying to get into the play-off zone.

FC United expect to have a virtually fully fit squad for the match which, if selected, will be David Chadwick’s 200th appearance for the club, making him only the third player to achieve this milestone. Simon Carden (237) and Sam Ashton (227) being the other two.

Ashton will be available for tonight’s game and Margy has confirmed that an appeal has been lodged against the goalkeeper’s sending off on Saturday. He said: “We’ll have to await the FA’s decision. Sam says he caught the ball and there’s been a collision but that he’s not raised his elbow so hopefully the referee will have another look.

“Sam’s still available for now but we’re not sure when the appeal will be heard. Grant Shenton is waiting in the wings and is keen to come back in. He’s been doing fantastically well at Ramsbottom, where he’s gone to get some much needed games, and I’ve every confidence in him.???

Margy also paid tribute to Ben Deegan who came off the bench to save a penalty at the weekend. He said: “For Ben to do what he did was just amazing. Some might say he’s found his true position but I’m sure that he’ll be looking for a starting role back up front.

“His appearances this season have been limited for several reasons including injury and the change in formation that we’ve settled on since Christmas. However, his attitude’s been fantastic and full credit to him, as he’s always been ready and willing to play when called upon.

“He’s changed the game a number of times recently, Saturday being just another occasion and all the adulation, singing and support he got at the weekend was well and truly deserved.???

Looking ahead to tonight’s game, Margy added: “Despite our recent good form, we’ll be taking nothing for granted. Frickley might be fighting relegation but we saw the other day, with their victory over Chasetown, that they’re no mugs – something we discovered ourselves when we drew there in February.

“We need to approach the game with the right mindset and attitude and we have to work as hard for each other as we have been doing over the past couple of months. We’re looking to keep our run going and cement our place in the play-offs. It’d be no good putting in all the effort of recent weeks, only to throw it away now, having come so far.???

FC United versus Frickley Athletic is this Wednesday at Bower Fold with kick-off at 7.45pm and it’s pay on the gate as usual. There are now just five games to go. Get yourself to that football ground.