FC United 5 Rossendale 1

STUART BRENNAN

November 15, 2007

HAT-TRICK man Aaron Burns turned up the heat on leaders Curzon Ashton after tantalising supporters with a hint that he may stay beyond January.

The former United reserve ace is meant to be at the club until the transfer window, when his registration - held by Cardiff - can be transferred and he is expected to be picked up by a league club.

Until then he cannot play above UniBond League level under FA rules, and has now bagged eight goals in seven games for the first division north promotion chasers.

But he tantalised the FC fans by saying in the match programme: "You can never rule out the idea of me staying here. I'm enjoying my football and that counts for a lot."

The Rebels hit five goals in the space of 23 second half minutes, after trailing at half time to Phil Eastwood's gift goal after a mistake by Rob Nugent.

Six minutes into the second half Nugent redeemed himself by setting up Patterson for the equaliser, his 17th goal in 16 games this season.

Then Burns took control, with a little help from returning right back Matty Taylor. Cult hero Taylor, missing for six weeks with personal problems, set off on a run which drew in defenders and then slipped a pass to the unmarked Burns, who thrashed it past Rigby.

Within a minute Burns had another, a solo run through the heart of the Rossendale defence ending with a precise finish and he put FC back into second place on goal difference with a flying header from Patterson's gorgeous cross on 72 minutes.

Patterson charged through again two minutes later and when the keeper bravely saved at his feet the ball span loose for Chris Baguley to slam into the empty net.

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Free Red, Manchester (16/11/2007 at 09:17)

Watching Aaron Burns soak up the adulation after his hat-trick it's obvious he loves every minute of being an FC player and he's certainly captured the hearts of the support. A confirmation of Aaron Burns stays for the season that would be music to the ears of any FC fan, but I think it's a tall order. On Wednesday night as well as Everton scouts I now know there were also scouts from Huddersfield Town and Bristol City watching Aaron Burns. We've always had scouts checking out FC players and quite a few clubs have give FC United seven days notice on players they want, but the level of interest in one player has never been this intense. I guess it's something we'll have to get used too.

Next up, BAMBER BRIDGE v. FC UNITED. Tomorrow, Saturday 17th November, Kick off 3.00pm. The match will be played at Bamber Bridges Irongate Ground, Brownedge Road, Bamber Bridge, Preston, Lancashire, PR5 6UX. Admission. Tickets have been sold in advance but pay on the gate is also available adults £7, concessions £4. Turnstiles open at 12.30, along with the Clubhouse facilities access to which is only possible once inside the ground. The car park at the ground is closed to general admission other than for blue badge holders, and the roads immediately adjacent to the ground will have parking restrictions for this match. Some space is available at Brownedge St Mary's church, located 5 mins walk from the ground, a small charge will be made and will go to church funds. There will be stewards on hand to direct supporters to the appropriate turnstiles and, once inside the ground, to respective allocated areas. No strict segregation will be in place for this fixture. KIDS IN NEED. Workers from BAE Systems Samlesbury will be at the Bamber Bridge v FCUM game collecting for Children in Need and Care Stanley Grange.

Directions. M6 Junction 29, A6 (Bamber Bridge by-pass)onto London Way.First roundabout take 3rd exit Brownedge Road (East) then take first right. Ground on left at the bottom of the road.

Train Travel. There is a train that runs every hour from Manchester Piccadilly with one change at Preston. The cost is £8.30 cheap day return and the journey takes approximately 1hr 30mins. OUTWARD. Train times from Manchester Piccadilly to Preston: 09:11 10:11 11:11 12:11. Train times from Preston to Bamber Bridge: 10:31 11:31 12:31 13:31. RETURN. Train times from Bamber Bridge to Preston:16:53 17:54 18:53 19:53 20:53. Train times from Preston to Manchester Piccadilly: 17:36 18:33 19:27 20:37 21:26. Viva la revolution, come on FC.

FCUM Vegetarians, Brum (16/11/2007 at 11:30)

It was an incredible performance by Burns on Wednesday. Such was the increase in effort and confidence from the team in the second half, that Im sure FC would’ve come good regardless (there is no-one I would’ve rather have been presented with the chance for our equaliser than cool headed Mystery as occurred), however there are few players who could’ve produced a goal like Burns’ second.

He seems to enjoy the reception he’s got from the fans, however I am under no illusions that he will leave in January. If he gets signed by any of the clubs linked, he will get a wage that will allow him to make football his career. FC at this stage, can’t offer that.

Obviously though, if he feels that he will get a better move transferring in the summer rather than mid-season and so chooses to stay for the season at FC, nothing would make me happier.

Great to see Taylor back playing too. There was the odd rusty moment but the incisive overlaps and characteristic drag backs were returning by the end of the match.

JOHN STENSON (16/11/2007 at 13:16)

Terrific performance by Aaron Burns no doubt, Matty Taylor too on his return to the fold, but for me young Chris Baguley was outstanding yet again. The plethora of scouts may have initially come to see Burns, but cannot fail to have been impressed by the vision, skill and passing ability of Baguley. I just hope we can hold onto him. He is clearly far too good for the Unibond.
On the game generally I don't think I have ever seen two such totally contrasting halves. Thankfully the first-half horror show was not repeated after the interval. Jekyll came on to replace Hyde and we were treated to a superb display of open, attacking football. Poor Rossendale just couldn't cope, despite having played so well in the first half.
Now for Bamber Bridge tomorrow. Can't come soon enough !

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