FC United look to overcome Stainton Park cup hoodoo

FC United make the short and familiar trip to Radcliffe Borough for the Manchester Premier Cup on Tuesday evening, looking to win a cup match on a ground which has brought mixed fortunes over the years.

A number of changes are likely to be made to the team that beat Whitby Town 2-0 on Saturday as manager Karl Marginson looks to keep players fresh and involved.

Radcliffe are currently 15th in the Division below the Reds - Evo-Stik Division One North - and would love a morale boosting victory over their neighbours.

The two clubs are no strangers to each other, having met seven times previously. United have come out on top four times, there have been two draws and Radcliffe have triumphed just the once, when the two sides met in the Manchester Premier Cup in March 2008.

FC United have played in cup competitions at Stainton Park four times over the years. As well as losing against Radcliffe, United hosted three ’home’ cup matches at the ground in 2007.

That year, Alsager Town knocked the Reds out of the Challenge Cup and Bradford Park Avenue dumped us out of the FA Trophy, but it wasn’t all bad as United beat Bamber Bridge 5-0 in the President’s Cup.

As such, the Reds will be hoping to put in a performance on Tuesday night similar to the one they managed against Bamber Bridge all those years ago.

Radcliffe Borough versus FC United of Manchester is this Tuesday 7th October at Stainton Park with kick-off at 7.45pm. It’s pay on the gate as usual. Get yourself to that football ground.