It was no more than the Evo-Stik Premier side deserved as they reached the first round proper for the first time in their short five-year history and pocketed £12,500 prize money.
The semi-professional side more than matched Blue Square Premier full-timers Barrow, two league's above them, and dominated the second half at Gigg Lane.
Chances had gone begging for both sides in the first half but it was Barrow who should have taken the lead on 30 minutes. FC midfielder James Holden's back pass could only find Barrow's Nick Chadwick lurking in the area but the striker, with only keeper Sam Ashton to beat, spared Holden's blushes with a weak effort.
And then it was FC United's turn to come close when winger Jerome Wright's sliding effort almost tucked into the bottom corner of the net with Norton unable to provide the final touch at the far post as the ball rolled agonisingly wide.
FC United boss Karl Marginson must have rallied his troops at the break and they were on top in the second half.
Norton's clever backheel to Wright gave the wideman a chance to test Barrow keeper Shaun Pearson with the stopper one-handedly pushing the effort away.
Then Norton was denied by the woodwork, Wright's follow up was saved by Ashton and then Roca, finally, came up with his 77th minute to send the majority of the 3,289 crowd wild.
FC could have had more with man of the match Norton heading over in a good position as FC keeper Ashton had a relatively trouble-free second half.
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What a fantastic effort today....one of the best moments so far in our short history and another stride towards Ten Acres. Whatever happens against Rochdale we've probably already got to our cup final in getting this far. I'm going to enjoy that day out!
Don't quite know what to say... that was an amazing day.
I'm so proud of our players, OUR club and our extremely noisy fans.
Congratulations to FC United on your win today. I'm gutted as the previous two years we have got through to the 3rd round and had two fantastic away days against premiership opposition. You should have a great derby against Rochdale, good luck in that one by the way and you never know Old Trafford in the 3rd round?
Should be an easy passage through to round two for the 'Dale' then?
Great result... Bury v Rochdale is always a tense local derby ;)
We almost made it to the First Round proper last season. A great day out to Northwich Vics only spoiled by the result :-{
So, I'll be at Spotland on Nov 6th. and I have a hunch there will be thousands of Reds and they'll be ... er... having a wonderful time :-}
LUHG
Brilliant today. Every player pulled his tripe out for the team. Fantastic support and a wall of noise throughout the game made this a great spectacle. Totally agree about enjoying the day out - the best yet. Hope all this helps to raise FC's profile. After 5+yrs of really hard work by the FC players, management, backroom staff and supporters, they deserve their success. Their annual club budget is probably less than Rooney gets paid in a week. This is what I call a community club! Entertainment and excitement of the highest order.
Steve
Heard its being considered for a live screening as well, that should put a few quid into the coffers of both clubs.
never thought I'd be looking forward to going to Rochdale!
FCUM.TV Now Showing - FC United v Barrow AFC
http://fcumfiles.co.uk/story.php?story_id=3179
Great draw for Rochdale, at home to the "dog & duck". How many of the fc players will be sober for this game?
you fc lot will be given a lesson in football on the 6th nov... enjoy your day out at spotland.
Great achievement FC !! I'd fancy them against that lot from Swinelands too !!!
Well Done fc utd ....
Top result!! Those Dale boys are in for a shock!!
FA Cup v Rochdale. Date and Time Announcement
We would like to advise supporters that our FA Cup 1st Round Proper tie against Rochdale will take place on Friday 5th November, kick off 7.45pm
On the morning after our victory over Barrow (Monday 25th October), the Club was informed by Rochdale AFC that the FA had contacted them to say that ESPN had requested our game be shown live on their channel on the evening of Friday November 5th. Each club will be paid £67 500 for the game to be shown, a sum of money undoubtedly valuable to both clubs. We were asked by Rochdale if we had any opposition to the game being switched. It was reassuring to learn that such a switch is not enforced by broadcasters and that we had a choice, but nonetheless this presented us with an immediate decision to make.
We recognise that playing such a high-profile, important game on a Friday evening is not ideal, not least of all for those supporters who live outside of the Greater Manchester area. It is an unfortunate consequence of our democracy that any decision the Board takes will not always meet with the approval of every FC United supporter as there are a wide range of circumstances and opinions to take into account, not all of which can be represented by the final decision. However, by accepting this offer the Board feels they have acted in the best interests of the Club as a whole, both in the immediate and long term, as it increases awareness of what we’re doing in Newton Heath and removes some of the enormous pressures of running a football club whilst playing at Gigg Lane.
In reaching this decision the Board took into account a number of factors including the financial incentive, the impact on the team, the overriding goal of reaching Ten Acres Lane, and most of all the impact on supporters.
With these considerations in mind the crucial factor which guided the Board towards the final decision was the previously held members vote on FA Cup participation. At this meeting members voted for the Club to enter the FA Cup on the precondition that progression into the 1st round proper and beyond may invite offers to play our games live on television. It was the view of the Board that this ‘yes’ vote constituted a steer to consider this offer from ESPN. Of course we had the power to decline their offer, but in the absence of any overwhelming opposition when the issue was debated, the Board felt we had a mandate to accept.
The Board always strives to avoid making unilateral decisions and always acts in the interests and according to the wishes of its members. We believe we have again done so, but of course the beauty of our democratic structure ensures that if there is opposition to this decision then members can submit resolutions on future participation, votes can be taken and any future decision be influenced accordingly.
That democratic input should be cherished and held dear by all members, because as much as the decisions themselves it was the lack of a voice, a lack of an influence in decision-making that led to the disillusionment of many before our formation. FC United members will always have that voice and can therefore continue to make strategic decisions and dictate the direction of our club.
We would also like to advise supporters that Rochdale, mindful of the effect it may have on both clubs’ revenue, asked us if we had any opposition to prices being lowered from their usual prices of £20 for adults and £14 for concessions to £12 for adults, £8 for concessions and £5 for under 16’s. We had no hesitation in accepting this fantastic gesture, which helps us to meet our constitutional aim of providing affordable football for match going fans.
We hope that as many people as possible can make it to Spotland for what will be the biggest game in the Club’s history. Regardless of the result, the impact of this fantastic run in the FA Cup will be felt long after the final whistle on November 5th and evidenced in our onward march to Ten Acres Lane, Newton Heath.
The Board of FC United of Manchester. 26-10-2010
Great news for FC that the game will be live on TV. Not only will the money help towards Ten Acres Lane, but the TV coverage should give FC United national coverage of the reasons our Club was created and the values and aims we strive for.
I think a lot of fans from many Football Clubs are getting rather alienated by the 'business culture' and some of the crazy things that go on behind the scenes.
Many of these fans will identify with the ideals of FC United.
Credit to Rochdale for the reduced admission prices.
Naturally, I am a tad disappointed that the game is now on a Friday night - but I'll be there for what should be a wonderful occasion.
FC United sunk Ossett 0-3 away last night. Lest hope the team can carry this run of form into the FA Trophy game v. Colwyn Bay at Gigg lane this Saturday.
Keep it going FC,then with a bit of luck you can draw us, and have 2 bites of the cherry.Coz if we go all the way the hypocrites which is the majority of you can still have your weekend in the smoke thats if the bitters dont pre book all the hotels again in JANUARY!!!!
70s prominent mufc...
I'd love to know what you are trying to say
FC United have sold their entire allocation of 3200 tickets for the FA Cup game at Rochdale.
I understand there is a request to Rochdale for some more :-}
Gonna be a fantastic atmosphere on the night.
Get yourself to that football ground ...... if you have a ticket. I have :-}
To the running man + Albert, i too have not been to OT since RVNs last game, however i go to every away match by paying over the odds. Wot i am saying is by all means support FC im proud of the lads who have taken that route and now u are established wot i dont agree with is u turning up at cup finals when we get to them, like the green+gold who buy club shirts is that not hypocritical. By the way albert got my brief for the 10th you enjoy the telly and have a good un in Rochdale with the 3000+. Sorry if the truth hurts we all have our opinions. Bet you once said i,ll always support UNITED!!!! and probably still do but you must stick to your guns
Come on the Dale!
Apologies to albert + running man. Now go kick arse !!!!