Brownhill blow and baby arrival give Margy selection headache as FC host Kings Lynn

Evo-Stik Premier Division leaders FC United look to maintain or extend their three-point lead at the top of the table as they host Kings Lynn at the Tameside Stadium on Saturday afternoon, but manager Karl Marginson admits he has a selection headache.

The Reds will be without right-back Liam Brownhill, who is being rested due to a hamstring strain, and natural replacement club captain, Dean Stott may be unavailable due to the impending birth of his first child. Margy explained: “It’s not worth risking Liam at this stage of the season, as we’ve got to be mindful of allowing players to rest when they have strains or knocks. Deano would normally fill in quite capably at right-back but his girlfriend is due to give birth any day now, meaning I might get a call to say he can’t play.

“If that happens then I could revert to three at the back but 4-4-2 has been serving us well this season, so I might decide to stick with that. If I do then Craig Lindfield is versatile enough to fill in at right-back. I’ve got some thinking to do but we have the squad to cope.???

Rory Fallon will undergo a late fitness test after being "kicked from pillar to post" during the 1-1 draw at Rushall Olympic on Tuesday night, according to Margy. He said: “Rory’s got some aches and pains. It’s nothing too serious but it might be best to rest him, which would be a shame because I thought he had a fantastic game against Rushall.???

Margy admits that the players were disappointed with Tuesday’s draw but believes that’s testament to how well they have been playing over the last three months whilst winning 11 consecutive league games. He said: “I think it felt like a defeat to some of them but that’s because they have set themselves very high standards. We should have put the game to bed in the first half and, whilst that’s disappointing, it’s the first time we’ve scored a goal from open play at Rushall, so that’s one positive.??? And Margy joked: “On top of that, it’s also the first time we’ve not lost the next game after receiving the team of the month award, so breaking that curse is another great achievement.???

Saturday’s opponents are currently 14th and have not beaten FC United at three attempts. The head to head record is two wins for the Reds and one draw. Goals from Tom Greaves and a first for the club for Lewis Lacy gave the Reds a 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture at the end of 2014. The Reds would take the same tomorrow but will also be confident of winning it in style. With nearest rivals Ilkeston expecting a home win against Grantham Town, the Reds must make sure that they do the same against Kings Lynn.

FC United of Manchester versus Kings Lynn is this Saturday at Curzon’s Ashton’s Tameside Stadium with a traditional and supporter friendly kick-off time of three o’clock. It’s pay on the gate as usual with prices voted for by our members - £8 for adults, £5 for concessions, and £2 for under-18s. Get yourself to that football ground and cheer on the Reds as they go in search of another victory.