But first the Evo-Stik Premier League club, formed in protest over the Glazer family takeover at Old Trafford, need to overcome League One leaders Brighton.
They pulled off an incredible 1-1 away draw on Saturday that set up a second round replay at Bury’s Gigg Lane a week on Wednesday, thanks to a goal by Nicky Platt and Sam Ashton’s penalty save deep in injury time. FC United manager Karl Marginson, who had wanted to avoid Fergie’s superstars, said: “It’s mind-blowing to think we’re just one game away from playing last season’s beaten Cup finalists.
“To think Portsmouth went all the way to Wembley last May and now we could be meeting them, it’s unbelievable.
“But, before we start getting too carried away, we’ve got to remember we’ve still got a big job to do if we’re to get past Brighton.
“If we’re fortunate enough to do that, we can look forward to another terrific occasion because Portsmouth would no doubt would bring a big following up to Gigg Lane. That would mean lots of noise from both sets of fans and a cracking atmosphere.
“Pompey may be mid-table in the Championship but they have some great players and still have aspirations to get back into the Premier League.
“They’re going to be decent, but we’d have nothing to lose against them, so, from our point-of-view, it’s a great draw.”
Meanwhile Droylsden, Greater Manchester’s other non-league club going for money-spinning glory in the world’s oldest and most famous cup competition, are in second-round action against Leyton Orient at the Butchers Arms tonight. They have a real feast in store if Dave Pace’s ambitious Blue Square Bet North club win – a trip to Delia Smith’s high-riding Championship side Norwich.
All games are to be played on January 8 and 9.
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Your doomed to failure,a flash in the pan,we dont want you lot back when the Gimps leave,whats the nickname again The Rebels a bit more appropriate would be the traitors.Come on BHA,
I'm just happy to get to a 2nd round replay in fact everything since Rochdale has felt like a bonus and who knows any team can win on the day. Pompey fans supported United fans in the G&G campaign last season because they too have been sold out to unscrupulous owners who couldn't care less about the fans who ended up putting their club in administration. If FC United were to go through their fans would be made more than welcome at Gigg lane. LUHG.
Fantastic achievement, and Free Red's got it spot on.
FC United are more than a pub team, they are a pub team in the draw for the 3rd round of the FA Cup!
I hate anything thats called United and comes from Manchester
Bucket Head, that's a very appropriate name you've chosen for yourself.
FC United can win, although even as an FC fan I think we need Gus Poyet to do us a favour with his team selection. Plenty reserve players please, which I believe he has already stated he will do.
It all depends if Brighton think it is worth having a local derby at home in January against Pompey or not at the expense of sacrificing a few league points in their promotion push.
2-1 to the FC!
FC United has announced that its Community Shares Scheme has now raised £700,000, with another £200,000 pledged. The scheme is being extended to the end of February to give more people the opportunity to take advantage of the tax breaks on offer (equivalent to 6.5% interest for three years) and, more importantly, invest in the the future of Newton Heath and football.
We're almost there!
FORZA FCUM!
FC Fans 'The Best Ever'. FC United fans have received the highest praise for their behaviour at the recent Brighton game.
The safety authorities chose to categorise our game at Brighton as a ‘Category C’ fixture, a categorisation reserved for those matches where it is believed there is a high risk of public disorder. FC United felt that the decision was wholly unnecessary and made the strongest possible objections but our protestations were in vain and our ticket allocation was severely restricted.
FC United fans demonstrated that the best response to the safety authorities was to show that passionate support is no threat to anyone and Sussex Police have relayed the following commendation to the club via their colleagues at Greater Manchester Police:
"Sussex Police took the stance of ensuring the fans enjoyed their day out, but where their behaviour was antisocial, we would take a positive approach.
"It is with pleasure I can report that the FC United fans were a credit to their club and the atmosphere they created within the stadium and the surrounding areas was one of total support for their club but mindful of the local residents.
"The support within the ground was the best I have ever witnessed at Withdean Stadium."
We are grateful that Sussex Constabulary has taken the time to send the message which will hopefully go some way to restore our reputation. Our support is never taken for granted and this well deserved praise is most welcome.
There are some who will always try to spoil the fun but equally we must be respectful and remain mindful that some in our ranks do get carried away at times. We all have a responsibility to ensure that our passion and exuberance in following our team is kept in check as we continue to show others that passionate support is not a threat.
Get yourself to that football ground. FC United V Brighton and Hove Albion, FA Cup sponsored by Eon, 2nd Round Replay, Gigg Lane, Wednesday 8th December, kick off 7.45 pm.