FC United aiming for Altrincham double as Reds host Robins on New Year's Day

FC United are hoping to beat bottom club Altrincham twice in a week as we host our near neighbours at Broadhurst Park on New Year’s Day.

The Reds ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at Moss Lane on Boxing Day against the struggling Robins and FC United manager Karl Marginson will be expecting his players to produce a similar performance and result as we get 2017 underway.

With four wins and a draw from the last five matches, FC United have finished 2016 as the form team in the Vanarama National League North. However, some tricky matches await in January, including a trip next week to league leaders AFC Fylde, so everyone at the club will be eager to keep the momentum going with a home win this Sunday.

Altrincham meanwhile have suffered seven straight defeats in the league and have just managed one win and four draws so far this season. However, they have made it through to the first round of the FA Trophy where they face a replay with Macclesfield Town. The Robins will no doubt be hoping to transfer some of that cup form into the league, starting on New Year’s Day.

The Reds will definitely be without midfielder Sam Sheridan, who was stretchered off at Altrincham after sustaining ankle ligament damage. We will know more about the extent of the injury once the swelling has subsided and we hope it is not too serious but it could be a lengthy lay-off.

Goalkeeper David Carnell missed the Boxing Day win due to a back injury, so FC United gave a competitive debut to Adriano Basso, who signed for the club just hours before kick-off. The 41-year-old Brazilian has previously played for Hull City, Wolves and Bristol City, among others, and may continue in goal after keeping a clean sheet.

Margy was happy with the Boxing Day win. He said: "It was a professional performance and a clean sheet. Very pleasing. You never know what you’re going to get on Boxing Day but the lads all looked after themselves over Christmas and it showed."

And of the new signing he added: "Adriano is an excellent goalkeeper and a top professional. He’ll be great to have around the club and he brings even more competition for the number one spot."

FC United versus Altrincham is on New Year’s Day at Broadhurst Park at the traditional and supporter friendly kick-off time of three o’clock. It’s pay on the gate as usual. Get yourself to that football ground.