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FC United one win away from topping the table as we host Halesowen

FC United one win away from topping the table as we host HalesowenFC United will go to the top of the Evo-Stik Premier Division table for the first time this season if we beat Halesowen Town at the Tameside Stadium on Tuesday night.

A 10th consecutive league victory will put the Reds above Skelmersdale United on goal difference with six games in hand. However, a tricky task awaits as the eighth placed visitors have lost just once in their last 10 games and, with just 28 goals conceded, boast the second best defensive record in the league. A feat only bettered by FC United, by one goal, having played three matches fewer.

Tuesday will be the first ever meeting between the two teams but our visitors are one of the oldest football clubs in the country, having been established in 1873. Nicknamed The Yeltz, for reasons lost and debated at length over their 142 year history, our opponents won the Evo-Stik Division One South last season and have made solid progress this season without setting the world alight.

The Black Country outfit were unbeaten in nine games in 2015 until they came unstuck 1-0 at Nantwich on Saturday. The impressive run saw The Yeltz gain draws against promotion chasing Workington, Ilkeston, Buxton and Curzon Ashton. If they can turn a few more draws into victories, they have a chance at promotion themselves.

FC United will continue to be without midfielder and often captain Dave Birch, who completes a two game suspension for collecting too many yellow cards over the season. However, the Reds will be hoping that forward Matt Walwyn will be able to return from a hamstring strain.

It looks like the Reds will have to be at their attacking best to breakdown the visiting defence but in Tom Greaves and Shelton Payne they have two of the top-scorers in the league with 22 and 18 goals respectively. The FC United faithful won’t mind where the goals come from though, just as long as they do.

In the run up to tonight’s game, manager Karl Marginson announced the signing of former Trafford centre-back Nia Bayunu. The 25-year-old previously played with FC’s youth team while at The Manchester College, before signing with The North in 2009. He was voted supporters’ player of the year in his first season at Shawe View and helped them win promotion into the Premier Division in 2013. Previously, he also featured for Leigh Genesis and Woodley Sports.

Margy said: “Nia is a player I have known for years, having worked with him at The Manchester College, when he featured in FC United’s youth team. His talent was obvious. He developed well and became very popular at Trafford. He is a good, strong centre-half. When we heard he was available we jumped at the chance to bring him in as he strengthens our squad even more.

"Our two central defenders Luke Ashworth and Lewis Lacy have been excellent of late and we still have an absolute quality defender in Chris Lynch champing at the bit too. But you can never have too strong-a-squad, and we will need every player we have as the season enters its crucial stage with us in pursuit of promotion.???

FC United of Manchester versus Halesowen Town is at the Tameside Stadium on Tuesday night with a 7.45pm kick-off. It’s pay on the gate as usual, with prices voted for by our members - £8 for adults, £5 concessions and £2 for under-18s. The match is part of the Football versus Homophobia campaign. Get yourself to that football ground.


First Posted ~ 22:52 Mon 23 Feb 2015
News ID ~ 6038
Last Updated ~ 16:00 Fri 19 Feb 2021