Some team news should help with the fixture pile up. Two old faces are set to return. Shaun Roscoe and Matty Taylor who left early in the year are returning to FC United after a brief spell at New Mills. Karl said 'Both players have been in contact and asked if they can comeback. They have realized that they have made a mistake in leaving'. Margy added 'It takes courage to admit your mistakes and with all the games coming up they will strengthen the squad'.

Adam Carden came of the bench and scored an injury time winner to steal a 3-2 victory over Newcastle Blue Star on Saturday at Gigg Lane as FC United kept their title hopes alive. The Reds got off to a quick start with two first half goals from Rory Patterson but let the lead slip as they took their foot off the gas in the second half and let their opponents draw level before Carden's late strike. United fans would have been forgiven for thinking the game may have been a goal glut after Rory Patterson broke down the right and slotted home from a narrow angle in the opening minutes to put United in an early lead. Those fans looking for a big score would have been buoyed on when Patterson took a ball from Wright and turned beautifully before putting United 2-0 with less than twenty minutes on the clock. But United simply didn't build on it and looked for long balls which created little or no chances for the remainder of the half. On the other hand warning signs were there that Blue Star were always dangerous, a team that like to get the ball down and play are always dangerous opponents and the few chances they had were close including an early strike which beat Aaron Grundy and hit the post. But it was United who went in two goals the better and looked to be cruising towards another three points. The second half really never got going on a cold and chilly day and even some of the Manchester Road End natives became a bit flat in a messy second half. There were half chances for Patterson, Rudd and Jerome but nothing that you felt could have increased the lead. With less than fifteen minutes left Blue Star were suddenly thrust back into the game when Sheeran scored, and ten minutes later the away team drew level when Emms slotted home from outside the area. It looked as though the Reds had let two points slip after conceding a late equaliser. However, going into stoppage time United hoofed an aimless ball from the back down the left flank; Jerome Wright set off looking to get to the ball but was never favourite. Somehow Wright's pace saw him get to the ball first and thrust into the opposition area. Keeping his cool, Wright squared to substitute Carden who seemed slotted home the winner sending the 2,048 in attendance into a state of ecstasy. Any description of the euphoria in the crowd at that moment could never do it justice, but it would be fair to say the goal felt like a cup winning goal or something of equal importance. Untied saw out the remaining minutes to hold onto a 3-2 victory, which moves them closer to the top spot after Skelmersdale were beaten 1-0 at home to Bradford PA, while fellow promotion contenders Curzon Ashton were beaten away to Garforth Town (1-0). Margy's men now lie nine points off the summit with five games in hand, and although the old expression says points in the bag are better than games in hand there's a real buzz around the club looking for three titles in three season's. The team will now turn their attention to Tuesday’s Manchester Premier Cup semi-final clash with Radcliffe Borough, before resuming league duties next Saturday against the same opposition. Up theReds!

THEIR CLUB IS OUR CLUB. The Radcliffe Social Club (known locally as the Shirt Club) has offered to support FC United by donating 10% of its profits to our Development Fund whenever we play at Stainton Park and supporters are being encouraged to use the club on these match days. The first pre and post match at the Shirt Club will be on the Tuesday 18th March versus Radcliffe Borough in the Manchester Premier Cup and Reds can expect a friendly welcome, some of the cheapest drink prices in Radcliffe and to feel great in the knowledge that their drinking abilities will be helping to raise money for the Development Fund. FC United supporter and Shirt Club sub-committee member Gary Peace explained how the association has been established. He said: "I've recently become more involved with the Shirt Club and was very pleased to see it was run on the same lines as FC i.e. not for profit, one member - one vote and community focussed. I also know how much as fans we appreciate a decent pint at cheap prices so I thought it would be ideal to get the two clubs together." The club is open from 5pm and bar prices are probably the cheapest in Radcliffe at £1.55 a pint for Smiths Smooth and £1.90 Carling Cold and Carlsberg. It's roughly a 10 minute walk away from Stainton Park, situated opposite the Last Orders Inn car park on Hampson Street and anyone who wants to come back post match is more than welcome. Look out for the FC United flag, go through the door and up the stairs. A car park is also available on the right after you pass the club. FC United DVDs will be shown on the big screen, which we are assured is as massive as a certain team who play in blue, 10% of the evening's bar profits will donated to the FC United Development Fund as well as all profits from sandwich sales. Peace also added: "I'll tell you another thing, I would absolutely love it if all the FC fans came down with their flags, banners, taking over, singing and generally enjoying themselves. Love it." Indeed. Even if you just pop in for one before the game it's supporting our Development Fund, the local community and gets you a top pint at low prices.

Directions from M60. Leave the M60 at junction 17, then at the roundabout take the exit onto the A56 (signposted Bury, Whitefield, Radcliffe) Stay in the right/middle lane and follow the road for about a mile through Whitefield. Go straight over at the lights at the end of the bus lane, you will see Whitefield Metrolink stop on the right hand side. After about 100 yards (just past the Bulls Head) turn left onto Radcliffe New Road. On Radcliffe New Road continue forward over the mini roundabout and straight over at the lights (about half a mile). Go straight over at the junction for Asda (which is on the left) and follow the road through 2 more sets of lights. Once through the second set of lights you will see PR World travel on the right. Make a right after PR World travel and immediately before the Last Orders Inn into Hampson Street . The Shirt Club is on the right up a flight of stairs.

Next up RADCLIFFE v FC UNITED in the Manchester Cup semi-final, tomorrow, Tuesday 18th March 2008 Kick Off 7.45pm. This game is to be played at Radcliffe Borough's Inn2gether Stadium, Stainton Park, Pilkington Road, Radcliffe, Manchester, M26 3PE. This game will be pay on the gate Adults £7, Concessions £4, Under 16s £1.

Directions: M60 junction 17 follow signs for 'Whitefield' and 'Bury'. Take A665 to Radcliffe via by-pass to Bolton Road. Signposted to turn right into Unsworth Street opposite Turf Hotel. The Inn2Gether Stadium is on the left approximately half a mile turning Colshaw Close East. Parking: There will be limited parking available at £2 per car.

What is this Mr Editor?, the drifter v free red show?
Nobody else can get any comments on and I want to know why?.
No wonder people are giving up reading these blogs, they cant get on because of the MUEN thought police!
Saying that, its doing my insomnia the world of good when reading the "war and peace" ramblings during this current war of the superfans (or "only fans" if truth be known).