But full-back Liam Foster is pressing for a place on the subs' bench after recovering from a foot problem which has sidelined him for the last half-dozen games.
FC will be eager to build on the Ossett rout but will be wary of a Witton side who, despite lying just below them in 14th place, are showing signs of a revival.
Tweet
Showing comments 1 to 14 and replies | View All
Drifter, Mancunia (03/10/2008 at 20:23)
Si, East Manchester, Audenshaw (04/10/2008 at 17:50)
Drifter, Mancunia (05/10/2008 at 23:04)
In the 4th minute Wilson was nicely positioned 15 yards out to collect Smith's poorly directed punched clearance, following a free-kick floated in from the right, to net his 13th goal of the season and rub further salt into Albion's wounds. Seven minutes later the rampant home side were three goals ahead, Scott Willis losing possession too easily and Chris Baguley, following a superb 1-2 with another ex Albion player Adam Carden, slotted the ball past Smith.
Smith produced a good save to deny Danny Warrender before at last the 24th minute saw his opposite number Sam Ashton called upon to make a save himself, it came from a low driven in free-kick from Mark Drew and although the keeper failed to hold the ball Willis could only fire the rebound against the top of the right angle and into the massed ranks of United supporters. With Witton coming more into the game ten minutes later Rod Thornley scampered down the right to cross for early substitute Ross Thaker to send his near post shot narrowly wide of the target. Thornley himself then headed over the bar following a free-kick.
Any remaining hopes Albion had of getting back into the match were dashed in the 39th minute when with Burke left for dead by Carden the winger's cross into the danger area saw Gary Scott seemingly get the last touch under intense pressure from Baguley with the ball ending up in the roof of the net.
In the second of the three minutes stoppage time period another Drew free-kick was only partially cleared and when the ball was played back in LEE THOMPSON bustled his way in to at least bring some respectability back to the score-line.
Manager Nigel Deeley made his second substitution during the break and Albion strived to pull the scores closer but Thompson's headed attempt went just over the cross-bar. It was therefore somewhat against the run of play in the 66th minute when Jerome Wright wriggled his way through the middle to produce an exquisite chip over Smith for United's 5th goal.
Five minutes later it looked like Albion's record defeat would be equalled as Tony Dunne tripped Carlos Roca but Smith produced a great save diving to his right to push away Wilson's spot-kick. With 15 minutes left and seemingly buoyed by Smith's heroics Albion really turned the screws on, Drew played a good ball into the path of LEE THOMPSON who outstripped his marker to net with aplomb his 5th goal from six appearances for Witton.
Five minutes later Thompson looked to be repeating the feat but this time Simon Garner managed to firstly impede him, as he bore down on goal, before producing a challenge that the loyal Wittoners, who had stayed on supporting their side, fully expected a red card to be produced by Chorley based referee Kevin Mattocks. Unbelievably though play wasn't even stopped!
Smith was called upon four minutes from time to produce another great stop when he pushed away Simon Carden's shot but as the match entered the two minutes of stoppage time it was Albion and ROD THORNLEY who had the final say when cutting in from the right and slotting the ball past Ashton.
Free Red, Manchester (06/10/2008 at 09:30)
With the visitors still reeling from the shock of United’s opener, it didn’t take long for the Reds to add to their lead when Wilson scored his second of the game and eleventh of the season. Winger Adam Carden was brought down for a free kick to the right of the Witton area and Jerome Wright was on hand to make an excellent left footed delivery into the visitor’s box. Greg Smith was unable to parry the ball away from danger and Wilson was able to pick the ball up just inside the area and ram it home to put the Reds 2-0 up on four minutes. The FC Faithful were given even more to celebrate about as United continued to batter the Witton goal. A clever interchange of passes from Chris Baguley and Simon Carden resulted in Baguley scoring FC’s third goal of the game on 11 minutes. Baguley played the ball out to Adam Carden and in a swift one-two Carden slotted the ball through the Witton defence to Baguley who had made an intelligent run into the area. Baguley picked up the ball and put it across Smith into the far corner. The visiting side weren’t really given a look-in in the game in the opening stages as the Reds seemed to be on fire. Witton’s first real chance came just before the quarter of an hour mark when they won a free kick on the right side of the FC area. The ball was played in and Sam Ashton was unable to collect safely at the near post. The ball bounced off the FC number one for Scott Willis to pick up. The Witton number six had a chance to put the ball away but fortunately for FC, Willis hit his shot against the outside of the post.
The Reds continued to pressure the Witton Albion defence and worked well towards another goal, having numerous chances to increase the score line. The Reds fourth of the game came on 40 minutes in a move which once again Wilson was pivotal in. Wilson picked up the ball from the midfield and chased it down the wing before swinging it into Carlos Roca to collect inside the six yard box. Roca knocked the ball goal wards and the keeper made a decent save but wasn’t able to push the ball clear and Chris Baguley was on hand to put the ball over the line to give the Reds a very 4-0 healthy lead. United continued to push forward and in another chance for the Reds, the ball was played to Wright who hit it on the half volley just over the bar. Two minutes into added time, Witton were able to pull one back in a central defensive mix up. The ball was floated into the area by Ben Thornley and in a confusion between Dave Chadwick and Adam Turner, Lee Thompson was able to put the ball past Sam Ashton on the stroke of FC to mar a four goal lead. In an excellent first half performance for the Reds, with countless spells of superb play, United should have arguably had more goals as both teams went in for the break. Witton started the stronger of the two sides in the opening stages of the second half, being able to tease FC inside the United half. A chance for FC fell to Roca who brought the ball into the Witton area and rounded his defender for a shot on goal which Greg Smith was able to get in the way of. The ball came out to Simon Carden on the edge of the area, whose shot was also blocked as FC began to look more alert following a slow start to the half.
Adam Carden was then able to go for goal when he brought the ball into the box from the right. Carden played the ball back onto his right foot and his effort towards the top corner was sent just wide. On 66 minutes, Jerome Wright added his own touch to the FC goal tally when he scored United’s fifth goal of the game. Wright got the ball back from Simon Garner on the edge of the area and looked to lose it as he ploughed through a sea of defenders into the Witton area. The left winger was able to hold onto the ball and chipped the keeper excellently to send the ball dipping into the Witton net. After 69 minutes, FC captain Dave Chadwick was replaced by Rob Nugent in the centre of defence. Just minutes later, Carlos Roca was awarded a penalty after being unnecessarily brought down in the area. Wilson stepped up to the spot to go for his hat-trick and hit his shot hard, only for Smith to get down to his right and knock the ball away in a good save to deny Wilson his third of the game. With around 15 minutes left to play, Witton made it 5-2 via Lee Thompson. The ball was played over the top to Thompson who took it well to slot it past Sam Ashton on 76 minutes. Following a slip from substitute Dave Neville in the centre of the park, Witton were able to carry the ball forward to Thompson who was through on goal. Simon Garner was able to make a terrific saving tackle on the edge of the area to deny Thompson his hat trick. As the match drew to a close, Witton’s captain Rod Thornley was able to warp up proceedings with a goal on the stroke of full time. The ball was played through to the number 10 and as Ashton came out, Thornley rounded the FC keeper to slot the ball home. All in all, the score line arguably flattered the visiting side who were lucky not to have conceded countless more goals in a tremendous United performance – some of the best football the young club have ever played. Viva la Revolution, come on FC.
Pushkin (06/10/2008 at 12:43)
Sam's indecisiveness contributed to all of them.
Free Red, Manchester (07/10/2008 at 12:14)
Directions: Flixton Football Club is situated close to the Trafford Shopping centre just off Junction 9 of the M60 Orbital Ring Road. From the Junction roundabout follow the B5158 Lostock Road for about 3/4 mile. At the next roundabout take the 2nd exit onto B5158 Hayeswater Road for 1/2 mile. At the T junction turn right onto Moorside Road (still on the B5158). At the next roundabout take the 3rd exist onto Moorside Road. About 1 mile later take the 4th exit at the roundabout onto Woodbridge Road. After 500 yards turn right into Valley Road and Flixton FC.
Kiwi-blue, Christchurch NZ (08/10/2008 at 16:40)
Dash Walny Manchester via Poland (08/10/2008 at 19:13)
Drifter, Mancunia (08/10/2008 at 22:33)
Johnniejohn, Tunbridge Wells (09/10/2008 at 12:58)
I doubt walnut dashboard has ever been either
Free Red, Manchester (09/10/2008 at 16:14)
J.J., I don't suppose Walnutter AKA Tommy Tampa even gets to watch his precious Bucs much anymore ever since his mate glazer mate put his ticket price up 30% to help pay off Red Footballs debts. That's right folks uncle Malc is now using Tampa Bay Bucs fans money to buy United for himself. Oof the poetic justice of it, couldn't have happened to a more deserving individual. Don't you just love the irony (lol?)
F C JOHN, LADYBARN (10/10/2008 at 13:00)
Drifter, Mancunia (13/10/2008 at 21:23)
A fierce start from Middleton had been expected and as such despite the high score in their previous game there was little expectation that such an early strike would go unanswered. Indeed some of the Middleton tackling could be described as robust as they went in search of an equaliser. Sadly for them it was not to be as FC Captain Jamie Mack scored the first of what would be a sizeable personal haul, breaking clear of the defence on the left corner of the penalty area and coolly slotting past the Middleton Keeper.
The game settled down somewhat as Middleton regained their composure and despite some crisp FC United passing, kept them at bay until the 26th minute. A slide rule pass beat the Middleton defence and Jamie Mack collected the ball before making it 3-0.
In the very next attack, barely a minute later the ball dropped to John Buckley outside the penalty area, with nobody quite sure what he was trying to do the ball ended up in the top corner of the net for 4-0 and suddenly calculators were starting to emerge in an attempt to keep score.
Two minutes later it should have been five as Toby Iloba found himself with a clear run at goal, sadly instead of shooting he passed to Jamie Mack who despite putting the ball in the net was clearly offside and the effort was ruled out.
FC united continued to press forward, playing some excellent football and creating numerous chances. However it took until the 39th minute for FC to make it 5-0 when a cross from the left reached Toby Iloba outside the far post. He coolly slotted back a cross goal and into the bottom corner. Jamie Mack completed the first half scoring a minute later when he was put through one on one against the keeper although there was still time for Shaun Williams to have an effort cleared off the line as half time was reached with the score at 6-0.
Whatever was said by the Middleton coaching team at half time had some effect, for although there was time for an FC free kick to result in a Nick Swirad shot over the bar; Ryan Young took advantage of a rare lapse by the FC defence to shoot past an otherwise faultless Robert Froggatt to make it 6-1.
This was sadly as good as it got for Middleton with FC United continuing to press forward at every opportunity. The Jamie Mack/Toby Iloba combination caused havoc as the latter shot narrowly wide in the 52nd minute. Four minutes later, John Buckley took a free kick from just inside the Middleton half and floated it towards the penalty spot. Jamie Mack took advantage of the confusion it caused to lift the ball over the goalkeeper and into the net (7-1).
In the 57th minute Jamie broke clear down the left and drilled a low hard cross into the box and the crowd held their breath wondering which of the three waiting FC attackers would score, unfortunately none did and Middleton cleared the danger.
FC continued to attack at will and in the 63rd minute came possibly the move of the game as substitute Barry Davies picked up the ball in the centre circle, passed to Jamie Mack and in the blink of an eye he had crossed for Toby Iloba to power a header into the net. (8-1)
A ten minute quiet spell followed as the crowd debated how many goals had been scored when Toby powered towards the edge of the penalty area before being fouled. Although many believed it was inside, the referee gave FC a free kick on the edge. It made little difference as Tim Marshall looped a quick kick over the wall and into the goal (9-1).
The double figure tally was reached two minutes later when Jamie Mack scored his fifth. He completed the scoring three minutes later when found by another ball through the Middleton defence; play seemed to enter a slow motion mode as everyone on the touch line waited for an offside decision. Jamie however did what all good forwards should do and put the ball into the net and wait for a whistle that never came.
Further chances came and went as FC continued to press forward but none with the ultimate reward and the game ended 11-1 to FC United of Manchester. It was a splendid display of controlled attacking football, enjoyed by all, including Karl Marginson and Daz Lyons; casting an eye on first team potential, although hopefully with sterner tests to come starting at Prescot Cables next week.
Free Red, Manchester (14/10/2008 at 15:07)