The Rebels midfielder won his side a penalty and then produced a magical solo winner 10 minutes from time after a Chris Worsley goal had threatened to upset the FC apple cart in the North West Counties League Challenge Cup final.
And that brought words of praise from his manager Karl Marginson, who said: "I was in Spain on Sunday night watching Barcelona play, and if one of their players had scored a goal like that it would have been beamed around the world time and time again.
"It was fantastic skill at any level of football, especially on such a hard, bumpy pitch, but we know Josh is a special player."
That goal was the highlight of a hard-fought game which was spoilt by a sandy pitch, but Marginson had sent his players out with a special message.
He said: "I told them that there would be 3,000 hard-done-to Reds out there, still hurting from the night before and what happened in Milan, and that they couldn't let them down.
Important
"It's been a great season for us and it was also important to finish on a high."
It was a shame that Tameside Stadium was the only venue available, because the pitch was a shocker.
For the conspiracy theorists, it could have been the film lot when Nasa faked the moon landing in 1969.
What could have been a great final between two teams who have been the best in the North West Counties League this season turned into a battle of scuffers and scrappers, players who were prepared to wait for the breaks.
Curzon had the better of the first half chances, three times beating the linesman's flag as Steven Moore, Worsley and Mike Norton all broke clear of the defence, but could not beat FC goalkeeper Sam Ashton.
But Curzon went ahead on 67 minutes, just as FC seemed to be taking control, and it was a belter. Worsley cut in from the left wing and smashed a right-footed shot across Ashton into the far corner.
Curzon had barely had time to celebrate before the Rebels were level.
Howard went down in the box and Nicky Platt, only just back on the pitch after having stitches in a head wound, calmly slotted home the spot kick.
That set up Howard for a grand finale, and when he picked up the ball on the left, he jinked past three players before crashing the ball gleefully home.
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What a great game!... so that's one United that's done the double... I'm sure Big United can make it a "double double" for the red half of Manchester (hopefully in front of the Berties)
Fantsatic advert for non league football, rocking atmosphere last night. Over to the reserves to complete their double and big Utd theirs!!!!
It turned out to be a great game, although the first half was a bit scrappy as FC struggled to get used to the bobbly pitch.
Great credit to the team for bouncing back from Curzon's goal so soon. That's 3 times we've beaten Curzon this season, but every one's been hard-fought. I'm looking forward to playing them next season!
Well done on winning the Double, FC and see you next season.
Fantastic night last night, everything you could want from football match, (apart from the appaling pitch) a very hard fought and close end to end fought game played in an eclectric atmosphere and all for 7 quid.
Its a pity that the Manchester Evening News who prides its self on the "Make it Fair for fans" campaign see fit to hide the story of FC Uniteds double on the page 74. This clubs very existence is based on making it fair for fans so why has a major acheivment like the double been well hidden away from the back pages, have you been warned not to upset someone?
took my kids to the match and was thrilled with josh howards display! Spent £20 on 3 tickets and grub for kids and enjoyed the buzz of the fans as always. Picking ask me why i go to support fc aftre 40 years as a "big united fan" Well last night is as good a reason as i can think of...passion from the fans and players and a real return to somethiong like the values i once treasured! Well done boys keep it going and well keep supporting you!
i went to two fc united games in the last four weeks. the atmosphere is fantastic. this year, i have seen united play lille in old trafford only because my old man is such a sports fanatic. 75000 in the ground and it was nowhere close to what i had last night. i'll be there next season
Great result. Truly stunning results all around this season. Good job boys. When we reach far enough (I say when we reach conference) supporters will be FC men only and stop caring about MUFC. Maine Road and FC are clubs with two different ideals. Maine Rd was founded as a Blues supporters club, and FC is a club for persons no longer supporting MUFC. Supplement v. Alternative. Embrace the Alternative side of FC and it will go farther faster. Let's go, let's go, let's go . . . .Let's go let's go.
I think the Curzon players are worth more of a mention. After what must have been a crushing defeat they came over to the away fans stand and applauded the FC fans for their support. I thought that showed real character and not too surprisingly we reciprocated. Pity Ashton closed for the night about 10.00pm or we would have probably still been there celebrating. Still we are to celebrate our great season on Barrow!
Follow, follow, follow, cos United are going to Barrow. Next up, Holker Old Boys Select XI v FC United Select XI Saturday 5th May 2007 Kick Off 4pm. Rakesmoor Lane, Hawcoat, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 4QB. FC United will play a select XI in Barrow on Saturday 5th May 2007. As there is no Euro Away scheduled for this year, Holker have kindly offered FC United a friendly and fun weekend for supporters. The team will be a mix of FC Uniteds first team and reserve team and will be a game of rolling substitutes. Pre match party. A pub will be organized for supporters to watch the City v. United derby at 12.45pm, the only way to watch United there days without paying a penny to glazer, with other entertainment arranged for the day. The kick off time of 4.00pm is to enable fans to make their way to the ground after the derby. Admission is pay on the gate. Prices are pay on the gate £5 Adults £2 Concessions
Directions. M6 to junction 36. Follow A590 to Barrow, at the end of the new Dalton Bypass turn right into Park Road until you reach Kimberly Clark Paper Mill, turn first left into Bank Lane, ground at top of hill. Nearest Railway Station Barrow.
After match party. There will be an after match party at the Victoria Park Hotel. Players from both teams will be in attendance. The party starts from 7.30pm.
FC Fans/Players Friendly Match v Holker Fans/Players. A proposed event scheduled for Sunday 6th May is a Friendly match between FC Fans/Players and Holker Fans/Players. If you were in Leipzig and witnessed the Fans match there, you will no doubt remember a certain player/referee who doubled up as a beer waiter. Hence, these games are not what you might call a serious affair, however all players should be aged 16 or over. If you are interested in taking part, please contact the Supporters Network on 07895 099333. It is anticipated that this match will be an early afternoon kick off, thus allowing plenty of time for a lie-in first (just in case you¿ve been out late the night before of course).
Juniors Friendly Match v Holker U14s. Another proposed event scheduled for Sunday 6th May is a juniors game against Holker U14s. Ideally, we would like to field an eleven a side team but if this is not possible then a short sided game (7s or 9s) would still be worthwhile. The only stipulation is that the team must be made up of players that are aged 13 or 14 on the day. It would be appreciated if anyone who has kids interested in taking part could please contact the Supporters Network on 07895 099333. All kit will be provided, they only need their boots and shin pads.
Carry on Camping! Tents and Caravans will definitely be allowed on Holker Old Boys over the weekend. Camping will be free and the use of the clubs showers and toilets will be available. Anyone interested in this should PM Big Black Coat on the fans site or ring Phil on 07833 995011 for confirmation of places.
Coach Travel. There are a limited number of places available on the players coach to Holker. The coach will depart from Chorlton Street at 9am on the Saturday morning. Please note that the coach will not be leaving Holker until 11:30pm. To book please go to the away travel section on the official website. Viva la revolution, come on FC.
Dash, Congratulations and welcome to our family. As mentioned before most FC fans will never give up on Manchester United. They are the team we grew up supporting and that can never be taken away. Maybe out hard earned pennies are not being put into the coffers at M16 but our love will never wane.
Good result in a poor match against the ciddy today even if I did have to get up at 7:30am to watch it. Funny that their biggest crowd comes against us - so much for the loyal b;ue manchester support.
THE REAL MANCHESTER UNITED WIN THE PREMIERSHIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HOW DO YOU FEEL NOW YOU MUGS!!!!!!!!!
Holker XI 1-1 FC United XI. In the fans match on Sunday 'United old shirts' 3-3 'FC United away shirts' - United old shirts won 3-2 on penalties.
It was great to see United win the Premiership again and unlike the 'one season wonders' that now make up the majority at OT, I like my TV watching peers, didn't pay ONE PENNY off glazers debt. Still in all fairness, if you enjoy paying off other peoples debts, then "different strokes for different folks" I say. Fantastic!
Next up, FC UNITED Res. v. FLIXTON Res. in the final match of the season, today, Monday 7th May 2007. K.o. 3.00pm. to be played at Abbey Hey. Entrance to this match is free.
Then on Wednesday 9th May 2007, FC UNITED Res. v. PADIHAM Res. in the NWCFL Reserves cup final also to be played at Abbey Hay. K.o. 7.45pm. Viva la revolution, come on FC.
Well actually "ronaldo", FCUM fans are all United fans, so we're pretty ecstatic at Utd winning the league.
Calling us "mugs" suggests that we watch FCUM purely to watch a winning team. You could not be further from the truth. Of course we want FC to win, and we want MUFC to win, but there's so much more to it. No point explaining to you as you either can't, or choose not to understand. Run along now.
FC UNITED Res. 3-2 FLIXTON Res. Well done the lads and FC Res manager T.C. for winning the NWCFL Res Div title. Congratulations as well for getting accepted into the Mid Cheshire league for next season.
I suppose Ronaldo is another Blue hopelessly floundering on our site.
I was at Curzon to see us win the Double at the Council House to see us win the league etc etc etc.
I think more likely "ronaldo" is only about 14 and has no idea about supporting a team in good and bad times, and hasn't got a clue about the financial situation Glazer has imposed. If being a "MUG" means enjoying good football and fantastic atmosphere for £7 then I'll happily be a mug.
Free Red - do you know for sure that the Reserves have been admitted to the Mid Cheshire League?
red lion fc have a reserve team? Those players must be clubbing it all week!
I heard TC say that our ressies were accepted a couple of days ago into the MCL. It's just not been released on the official website yet. He said something about there being 42 matches for next season which means the league must have restructured to allow in another six teams to increase the number of clubs from 16 to 22. Not sure which division though as I was ear wagging, probably the 2nd division. He'll be there on Wednesday for the ressies cup final so you can ask him if you want to check the details, but we have definitely been accepted.
We, as FC supporters, need to focus on supporting "our" club, and need to worry less about what other clubs in greater Manchester are doing. This can be something beyond great, but if only half-ass support is made by the fan base, the club will be half-ass. Fans make the club. I don't want to be another Maine Rd. Let's go FC!
this shanny character is so bitter,he even hangs around on here.what a total muppet.he hates the colour red and also silver.well he better get use to it,cos citeh wont win nothing.1 last thing where is tameside stadium.i didn`t know they had one.
Little Jockey...now there's a surprise.Straight back to "supporting" the big boys as soon as they look like winning something..How utterly predictable.So much for the "Glazer killing our club" purist nonesense!!Rescued your old "Cantona7" shirt out of the dog's basket on Saturday did you?Surely,by definition of showing your support for the "big rags" you acknowledge the positive aspects of the Glazer contribution,thus rendering your fc "support" thoroughly morally bankrupt and hypocritical?
Next up, FC UNITED Res. v. PADIHAM Res. Tonight, Wednesday 9th May 2007, is the night FC United could do the double-double as we are in the NWCFL Reserves cup final to be played at Abbey Hay in Gorton. K.o. 7.45pm. I hear Margy will be there with the family silver so if you didn't get your photo taken FREE with the four pots FC United have already bagged this season then here's your chance.
There is of course a TV in the social club so we can also keep one eye on the Chelsea v. United match just for a laugh, not that it really matters anymore. The only United match that matters now is the FA Cup final. Another double!
RAMPANT RONALDO - The Tameside Stadium in on Richmond Street, off Lord Sheldon Way, Ashton Under Lyne.
God I just love being a Red and I'll just love it, really really love it if we beat them as well! Viva a Revolution, come on FC
steve the blue, little jockey has never hid his dual allegiance. Get over it. I personnally am now utterly disinterested when it comes to who wins the PL and FA Cup - though want AC Milan to win champioins league this year. FCUoM is not about glory seeking or trophy hunting, it is about reclaiming football for us, not greedy capitalists. Oh and before you launch into a tirade about me not being from Manchester, I was born and grew up there and a founding member of FC.
Well done Liverpool fans, stuck by the club when taken over by yanks, who have put the club 80 mill in debt and are arranging a 200 mill loan for the new stadium rebuilc.
The is only one utd manchester united and united we stanc devided we fall real supporters stick by the team through the bad times unlike traiters like fc fans and kenyon.
Hope u lot support Chelsea in the fa cup final.
Well done Liverpool fans, stuck by the club when taken over by yanks, who have put the club 80 mill in debt and are arranging a 200 mill loan for the new stadium rebuilc.
The is only one utd manchester united and united we stanc devided we fall real supporters stick by the team through the bad times unlike traiters like fc fans and kenyon.
Hope u lot support Chelsea in the fa cup final.
Ged. you do come over as a 'lickle bitter' if you don't mind me saying so. You said "The is only one utd manchester united and united we 'stanc' 'devided' we fall real supporters stick by the team through the bad times unlike 'traiters' like fc fans and kenyon" What can I say, Have you ever heard the expression "heard it all before" - doh?
Contrary what 'U' like you to believe I still support United and like the majority of United fans watching matches on TV. I watch FC United live. On any match day the pubs around Gigg lane and the social club are heaving with Reds watching the early or late k.o.'s. It's the same story at away games even to the extent that venues are pre-booked. I will never stop being a United fan in much the same way glazer will never get one penny of my money. I have no problem watching United away when all the money goes into the away club. I believe life is about choice and I can choose what I want to do with my money just the same as everyone else. If others don't like what I do with my money then that's their problem innit! My wallet, my rules so get over yourself.