Rebels' promotion charge

May 01, 2008

FC UNITED kept their hopes of a third successive promotion alive by beating Bamber Bridge 3-2 in a thrilling play-off semi-final at Gigg Lane.

Karl Marginson's side will now face Skelmersdale in the final on Saturday.

United took a 2-0 half-time lead thanks to Adam Carden and Rory Patterson. But two goals from Neil Zarac ensured a second-half full of tension.

Ultimately Jerome Wright's 68th-minute strike proved to be decisive, sending the crowd into raptures.

After riding their luck early on with Ryan Salmon clipping the bar and Zarac firing narrowly wide, United took control.

Their opening goal, on 22 minutes was a move of real quality as Patterson's first-time pass completely opened up the defence for Carden to put the Rebels ahead.

Carden turned provider on 32 minutes when he unselfishly squared to Patterson who had the easiest of tap-ins.

Zarac popped up to ensure it wouldn't be a stroll for United but then Wright sewed it all up.

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Ian (01/05/2008 at 11:27)

I can't believe that the best team in Europe won 3-2 in a thrilling match, and is now through to the final. Anyone know how Chelsea got on??? lol.

Free Red, Manchester (01/05/2008 at 11:56)

Ian, I like this one doing the rounds.

"Swallow swallow swallow,
cos the dippers aren't going to Moscow.
The pill's not so sweet,
when you lose to a cheat,
and you'll be screaming for Rafa to go"

JOHN STENSON (01/05/2008 at 13:07)

The residents of Moscow can sleep easy now, in the knowledge that their hub caps are no longer under threat.
As far as F.C. last night goes, just how loud was that ? And Saturday can only get louder. Especially in view of who we are playing. It's the only final the dippers will see this season. Mind yer hub caps !

paul hudspith (01/05/2008 at 14:03)

best team in europe chelsea nar the best team played on tuseday and beat barca its a shame that liverpool coundent make it but scholes ronaldo and rooney will take care of chelski . a good win for fc and its a shame about curzon ashton who got beat

Philip MaRSHALL (01/05/2008 at 15:06)

Should be a cracker on Saturday and win or lose the shirts have been exceptional over the season, bring on united.

Ian (01/05/2008 at 18:51)

Love it Free Red! Not sure about big Utd being the best in Europe though. Scholes only averages one good game a season and Ronaldo is a destroyer of the ordinary. At Gigg Lane its a team of equals who make me so proud. Bring on the semi-scousers Saturday (And thanks Margy whatever the result)

Drifter, Mancunia (01/05/2008 at 22:24)

ROLL UP, ROLL UP, CUP FINAL TICKETS £750 AND NO VISA REQUIRED. Tickets will be shared equally between the finalists and sponsors; the sponsors receive 4000 and 4000 to each team. Tickets are selling on the black market for hundreds, you can also obtain a luxury package, these run into thousands, but you don't need a visa. You will be sat in the best seats in the ground next to all the sponsors, but only after you have been taken on a sight seeing tour before the final. The tour will be ... A trip around Bury market and sampling the delight of Burys famous black pudding "Les puddings noir", visit the various bars on route to giggle lane and you and your associates can drink in a separate lounge. Whilst walking up to the ground you may notice a strange accent, so as not to get confused its called Manc, an interpreter will be on hand. Making your way to the sponsors ground, you will meet and greet the minions wearing football boots who will not look you in the eye and bow down at your feet... oooops forgot the point £7.50p no visa, no Tarquins, a final between two WORKING CLASS teams and pay on the gate GET YOURSELF TO THAT FOOTBALL GROUND. UP THE REDS!

Si, East Manchester, Audenshaw (03/05/2008 at 18:40)

Just got back from the game and we did it! A fantastic effort form the boys to see off Skem 4-1.Well done Margy and Unibond Premier here we come! 3 promotions in 3 seasons it can't get much better than this???? I'm looking forward to next season already.

Drifter, Mancunia (03/05/2008 at 19:34)

WE'VE DONE IT! All we need now is for United to win the Prem and the CL and Manchester will be rocking. C'mon the Reds!!!

oldtime red, salford (03/05/2008 at 22:25)

Well done to everyone at FC. To overcome the fixture pile up was a truly momentous task but the lads did it.
It wasn't always pretty but nobody could doubt the commitment and sheer effort of everyone concerned. Can't wait for next season.

Drifter, Mancunia (04/05/2008 at 10:31)

Whey hey, the FCUM reserves have won their league yesterday as well. This thing of ours just gets better and better and better and...Up the Reds!

Philip MaRSHALL (04/05/2008 at 12:31)

Fantastic yesterday, watching fc united get promotion in a belting atmosphere and then I am kloot at the academy at the night. Happy days.

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