League leaders FC United are ready to host Olympic

FC United will be looking to maintain our lead at the top of the Evo-Stik Premier Division table on Saturday afternoon as we welcome Rushall Olympic to Gigg Lane but we will have to do so without the injured trio of Ollie Banks, Greg Daniels and Matthew Walwyn.

On the day that Istanbul, Madrid or Tokyo will win the right to host the 2020 Olympic Games, the Reds will be happy with just winning three points against the Olympic club from the West Midlands. With six games gone, United are sitting pretty at the top of the table but the division is so tight that Rushall, who currently occupy 11th position (which incidentally has a fond place in many of the FC United faithful’s hearts) are just three points behind.

If our four previous encounters with The Pics are anything to go by, United will be in for a tough game and a physical contest. The Reds have scored just one goal in those games and that came via the penalty spot in a 1-0 victory at Dales Lane in April.

However, manager Karl Marginson says that United will not change our tactics due to our opponents. He said: “We’ll play the way that we like to play; we’ll get the ball down on the ground and work it around. We’re on a good run and we’re at home, so we’ll stick to doing what we do best, regardless of who are opponents are.???

Despite rocketing to the top of the table with a 5-1 win at Grantham last Saturday, Margy is still adamant that it’s too early to be looking at the league standings. He said: “It’s nice for everyone and the players have done what we asked them to do – get off to a good start. But we have to keep it real, there’s a hell of a long way to go. We now have to build on this start and keep it up.???

Margy provided an update on the injured players: “Ollie will hopefully be back next week. It’s just a very badly bruised leg. He’s a very lucky lad because it could have been a lot worse. The tackle by the Witton player (Oliver James) was a disgrace, that kind of thing has no place in football. Ollie’s got a very positive attitude and I’m sure he’ll be right again very soon.

"Matty Walwyn has a groin strain, which is a bit of a blow because he’s been absolutely amazing. We’ll wait and see how he recovers. Greg Daniels has concussion, he came on for Ollie on Tuesday and can’t remember anything about the game, so he has to have a mandatory 10 day break before playing again.???

Also following on from Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Witton, the club have appealed Chris Worsley’s red card and have provided the referee with video evidence in the hope that he is willing to rescind the dismissal. Margy said: “I’ve seen it again on video and it wasn’t even a foul. He’s overrun the ball but he’s not lunged in, it’s a firm but fair tackle. Hopefully, the referee will agree with that once he’s had chance to see it again from another angle.???

Despite the injuries and potential suspension, United have been boosted by a return to training for young centre-back Tom Davies (sore back) and midfielder Sergio Rodriguez (groin strain). Meanwhile, Margy has confirmed that he has made the addition of another creative midfielder to the squad, subject to international clearance. More on that to follow once the signing is confirmed.

FC United of Manchester versus Rushall Olympic is this Saturday at Gigg Lane with kick-off at the traditional time of three o’clock. It’s pay on the gate as usual with prices £8 for adults, £5 for concessions and just £2 for under-18s. Get yourself to that football ground to cheer on the league leaders.