Proud Marginson is aiming to get the job done at Rushall

FC United manager Karl Marginson says that he is proud of his players for winning a place in the Evo-Stik Premier Division play-offs for the third consecutive year but admits there is plenty of work still to be done – starting at Rushall Olympic on Saturday.

The Reds have already achieved our highest ever points total in the division and if we maintain our third place spot it will be our highest ever finish. With two games to go, Margy is confident that his players can do it. He said: “I’m really proud of the lads, they have done well but more importantly they have started to play football a bit more like we know they can. Hopefully, that will be good timing for the play-offs.???

FC United have been dealt a blow in recent weeks with goalkeeper James Spencer injured over Easter and centre-back Adam Jones ruled out for several months after rupturing his Achilles on Saturday. But, never one to dwell on bad luck, Margy is upbeat about the situation. He said: “We’ve got a really big squad this year and a lot of strength in depth. It’s unfortunate when someone gets injured but it gives other players the opportunity to step up and show what they can do.???

And Margy was full of praise for the players that have stepped in for Spencer and Jones; Jon Worsnop and Lewis Lacy. He said: “They’ve both waited patiently for their chance and they’ve been exceptional since being called upon. Spider (Worsnop) completely gets what FC United is about and he’s into it, that’s why he was prepared to be patient. Lewis has always done well for us, in the youth team and in the cup games. He’s still only 18-years-old but he’s got all the attributes to become a very, very good player.???

With the deadline for signing new players having passed at the end of March, Margy is unable to bring in any extra cover alongside Lacy for Jones but he may well have a last trick up his sleeve. Rochdale youth team defender Kevin Masirika has been on loan at FC United for several weeks and Margy is planning to test the youngster out tomorrow at Rushall. He said: “It may well be a baptism of fire for him but it will be a good to see how he copes with a big, physical side.???

And on that note, Margy admits that he is preparing to alter his tactics to take on a robust side that FC United have never beaten or even scored against – our encounters against the Pics currently stand at one draw and two defeats. Margy said: “I’m going to pick a side to put in a more workmanlike performance, shall we say? They are a tough side to beat, so we will have to adapt.???

Rushall Olympic versus FC United of Manchester is this Saturday at Dales Lane with kick-off at the traditional time of three o’clock and it’s pay on the gate. Get yourself to that football ground.