It had to end sometime. It had started with a 3-0 win over Radcliffe Borough in early September but, six games and 88 days later, FC United’s incredible FA Cup run finally came to an end against League One leaders Brighton.
Goals from Fran Sandaza, Inigo Calderon, Elliott Bennett and Matt Sparrow eased Brighton’s passage into round three but their names will be forgotten long before memories of Carlos Roca’s winner against Barrow or Mike Norton’s last-gasp goal in the first-round win at Rochdale.
FC United fans were determined to enjoy the next stop on their remarkable journey regardless of the freezing temperatures, with Eric Cantona-themed renditions of the 12 days of Christmas and ‘Bring on United’ ringing out from underneath the scoreboard all night.
They were just as determined to get their point across in front of the ESPN cameras with banners reading ‘Pies not prawns’ – a nod to Roy Keane’s famous outburst – and ‘Making friends not millionaires’ draped over the stands.
The game might not have gone ahead had it not been for ESPN, who paid to cover the pitch with a hot air balloon to thaw the pitch, and referee Eddie Ilderton was still casting his eye over the conditions right up until kick-off.
Pyramid
The big freeze meant neither team had played since Sam Ashton’s stoppage-time penalty save in the first game ensured the two sides – separated by 112 places in the football pyramid – would have do it all over again at Gigg Lane. Brighton manager Gus Poyet had hinted before the game that he would again rest a number of his regulars for the replay but, after a free weekend, he opted to bring back Gordon Greer, Adam El-Abd, Sparrow, Calderon and Sandaza.
FC United boss Karl Marginson, meanwhile, was forced into his two changes with suspensions ruling out Scott McManus, sent off in the first game at the Withdean Stadium, and Jerome Wright.
Marginson had struggled to find his players anywhere to train in the run-up to the game, but the Rebels looked anything but rusty in the opening stages to more than merit Poyet’s decision to bring back his big guns. And it looked an even shrewder move midway through the first-half when Sandaza, used only as a substitute in the first game, poked Brighton ahead after
Bennett’s miscued shot squirmed its way to the big Spaniard.
But there was more than just the Rebels’ fans flares to illuminate the occasion with their part-time heroes more than playing their part. Roca saw his effort from the edge of the box skid just wide before Chris Ovington cut in from the left to flash a drive over the bar.
But any momentum was quickly brought to an abrupt halt in first-half stoppage time. Sandaza fed Bennett on the left and his cross was headed past Ashton by a diving Calderon to make Marginson’s half-time team talk all the more difficult.
But whatever he did say worked. Ben Deegan squared the ball for Nicky Platt to side-foot wide before Deegan was brought down in the area by Calderon’s clumsy challenge.
Crashing
Mr Ilderton obliged the baying crowd behind the goal and pointed to the spot but Jake Cottrell fluffed his lines and sent his spot kick crashing against the outside of the post.
A goal was the least FC United deserved for their battling performance but they didn’t need to prove they had been more than a match for Brighton.
Bennett slid the third past Ashton after Sandaza had delivered a perfectly-weighted ball through the tiring United defence and Sparrow added a fourth late on but they only served to give the scoreline a more flattering look for the Seasiders.
As the clock wound down, United’s fans broke into a chorus of ‘Always look on the bright side of life’.
After this fantastic run, they have a lot to smile about.
FC United: Ashton 7, Jacobs 6 (Battersby 80), Quistin 6 (Carden 88), Munroe 7, Parker 7, Platt 7, Cottrell 7, Roca 8, Ovington 6 (Wolfenden 59), Norton 7, Deegan 8. Not used: Hibbert, Holden, Tierney, Ayres.
FC United 0 Brighton 4
December 09, 2010
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All good things come to an end, but what a journey we've had landing three games against league opposition. Our results against league clubs win one 2-3, draw one 1-1 and lose one 0-4 would be respectable enough for teams four divisions higher than us and the way our team played was a great advertisement for the NPL. I'm looking forward to the weekend now. Bring on Halifax, c'mon FC.
What a journey it`s been, especailly that fantatic night in Rochadale. Shame it`s over now but realisticly we knew it was going to happen sooner or later and no shame to lose to a very good Brighton team who play excellent football, even though 4-0 did flatter them a bit.
Good to see so many people there last night, including a lot neutrals and first timers but people are starting to "get what this club is about" and I think the exposure has made people sit up and realise what football fans can acheive if they put their mind to it.
Back to the league now to what looks to start with like a relegation battle but who knows if we win all our games in hand we have an outside chance of making the promotion play offs. Anyway whatever happens we will enjoy the ride in our own passionate, fun and noisy way.
Well done FC united, a fantastic run in the cup - good luck for the rest of the season
Back to pub league stuff now.................................it was good while it lasted.
This cup run has been amazing.
Seven memorable matches, new grounds, new friends, ‘giantkillings’ and a step closer to Ten Acres Lane.
“It won’t last until Christmas” we were told when the club was formed in 2005. Well, last night 7000 people celebrated our club as we approach our 6th festive season.
Cheers fellow supporters… raise a glass to our heroes and the end of an amazing cup run.
back to earth with a bump eh dream on.
Thank goodness the FA Cup run is over. Margy will be able to get the fruit & veg deliveries back on track!
Why are FC fans singing about Eric Cantona? The club is nothing to do with Manchester United and, Cantona has never played for FC???
FC, Can hold their head high, From the manager, down to the programme sellers,What an atmosphere !!, It was akin to a Champions League tie,
Not the fairy tale ending that was hoped for,But all the same a game played in the right spirit,Marginson & the lads gained a lot of respect last night,To be honest 4-0 flattered Brighton and the only downside was the mini pitch invasion,
A win at Halifax on saturday & all will be well . "Making friends, Not millionaires"
Brilliant cup run, no shame at all in losing last night, because everyone did FC United proud.
The only shame is the usual negative comments so called United fans who seem to be picking up the bitter attitude these days.
Best of luck for rest of the season FCUM.
How many other teams could get beaten 4-0 at home, and still be cheered off the pitch being told just how proud the fans are of them ?
This is what it feels to be FC.
Watched it on ESPN and I was disgusted listening to the obscene chanting from the FC Utd fans. I'm told they behave like this during every game --DISGRACEFUL - how could you take your grandson to a game subjecting him to such vile chanting?
If FC United want to progress and move forward then I suggest they start by trying to attract more decent fans that were chanting and singing vitriolic and shameful lyrics!
I watch it to the fans were fantastic and despite getting hammered 4-0 they stayed to the end well done to the true fans took me back to the old days a good night out whether you won or lost football was the winner
Bought 8 tickets for the game. 6 Adults and 2 Kids. For the grand total of £52!
Would have cost me £200+ at OT!
Everyone really enjoyed it including the kids.
Brilliant atmosphere and brilliant fans.
Ted Knotted you are talking out of one of your sphincters again with your anal grumblings about all things FC!
I would recommend anyone to take their grandson to a game where FC are playing.
You'd have a great laugh and brilliant bonding session with him.
FC United - It's the future!
Go on the FC!
FC United take on league leaders AFC Halifax Town in the Evo-Stik League Premier Division this Saturday at Gigg Lane, kick off 3.00 pm. It promises to be a pulsating game as Halifax aim to carry on their push for promotion whilst FC aim to bring their level of performance in recent cup matches into the league.
After the midweek defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup Margy was keen to praise the efforts of the players. "Its back to league action on Saturday after a few weeks away. Before getting onto Saturday’s matters its only right that I pay tribute to the players for their efforts on Wednesday, and right throughout our involvement in the FA Cup. The 4-0 scoreline suggests we were soundly beaten but at two-nil if the penalty had gone in then it would’ve been a different game. In the second half the players increased their work rate and tried to put them under pressure and at times they managed that."
"In truth, the second goal was a bit of a killer coming just before halftime but it showed the quality that they’ve got. Two or three passes and they had the ball in the back of our net. Okay, there may have been a fortunate ricochet but they had the ability to take advantage of that sort of thing in a flash."
"That's the way it goes though. In the first game we were fortunate to get away with a draw, in the replay we were unfortunate to come away with a four-goal defeat. A fairer reflection maybe would've been a two-one defeat. That said, their passing was incredible at times but I was pleased that our lads kept in there and showed excellent fitness to keep going to the very end. That's something that comes with playing these big games, something Brighton do every week."
"We've got games in hand now in the league and we need to make them count. If we produce the type of effort and spirit we've shown in the cup then we will cause problems for any teams at this level. That's the message the players will be getting and it's one they've got to take on board. They have to go out with the intention of not leaving anything in the tank come the end. We need to go out and get at teams from the off like we did at Rochdale - couple that with the level of concentration we've shown and there?s no doubt we'll fly up the league."
"The defence was superb again on Wednesday, with Parker and Quistin coming in and playing excellently after long spells out of the team. Martin was fantastic - we're blessed with quite a few good centre-halves. With Scott banned for his red card at Brighton we'll probably go for the same defence today. As well as Ludo coming back, Lee Neville's not far away whilst Jerome's in contention again against Brighton we missed the balance he provides."
"Everything's looking nice and bright so hopefully we can build on it. We certainly need to as it's six games without a win now and we don't want that turning into seven and eight. The cup's gone, we've had a great time but the main thing is that we get our heads back on the job in hand and what better game to come back to than one against the league leaders in front of another big crowd. I'll expect the players to be right up for it and we'll certainly be looking for the win. We've got players with great ability who could be playing at a lot higher level some of them could easily be professionals playing in the league but now they've got to be true to that ability and show it on a week-in, week-out basis."
"The crowd was brilliant again - the atmosphere was superb, unbelievable. Gus Poyet commented on it, saying he thinks our club's fantastic and was being very complimentary. It'd be easy for him to come up here and get his win and go home but it seems we've made quite a few friends in the pro game during this little run and long may we continue to build on things like that. I'm immensely proud of everyone and if we can all repeat that sort of effort on Saturday and during the rest of the season then we won't be far away come the final day."
FC United: Ashton, Jacobs (Battersby 80), Quistin (Carden 88), Munroe, Parker, Platt, Cottrell, Roca, Ovington (Wolfenden 59), Norton, Deegan. Not used: Hibbert, Holden, Tierney, Ayres
EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US IS SO PROUD OF YOU!
United this united that.
Dream world.
Hate Tevez, Love Tevez, Hate Tevez.
Blah Blah Blah
United obsesive.
Shame I'm a Sad Fool.
The final home Evo-Stik league clash of 2010 takes place this Sunday at Bower Fold, Stalybridge, kick off 3.00 pm, as FC United take on Marine FC hoping to get back to winning ways now that the cup exploits are well and truly over for another season. This is the last of FC’s scheduled visits to Stalybridge this season which have all provided some interesting talking points if not always the right results.
Last Saturday the largest Evo-Stik league crowd of the season saw FC narrowly defeated at home 1-0 by league leaders Halifax in a tight match that FC didn’t deserve to lose. Margy highlighted finishing as the main problem that the team must overcome.
“I thought we put in a decent performance on Saturday against Halifax in what was an entertaining game between two evenly matched sides. Apart from the result, obviously, everything else was fairly positive as they’re top of the league by quite a distance. What ended up costing us the points was our finishing but we’ve got players who can put the ball in the net and as soon as they click into gear again I’m sure the results will follow. Matty Wolfenden deserved a goal on Saturday – I thought he was quality and very unlucky with the effort that was cleared off the line. Until those little breaks start going for us we’ve just got to keep plugging away and working hard.”
“Despite the current league position I’m not going to start panicking. We’ve got the likes of Norton who’s going to embark on a goalscoring run at some point because that’s what he does. And we’ve got goals in midfield with the likes of Platty, Jake and Jerome – there’s nothing to worry about on that front. A couple of wins would put us right back in the mix. We’ve got a couple of games in hand on the majority of teams above us and when we get those wins it’ll mean taking points off other teams so it’ll make the league even tighter.”
“We’ve got some tough games coming up but then they’re all pretty tough, we’ve seen that plenty of times. Going into this spell of league fixtures, we can take positives from the calibre of the teams we’ve already come up against and beaten. We’ve been unlucky at times but the players should keep faith in their ability and as long as the effort’s always there the rewards will come. There’s rarely any special formula to turning round a team’s form except belief and hard work. A season can turn on one deflected goal at the right time – we saw that to some extent in the FA Cup game when we equalised up at Norton and Stockton.
Apart from against Colwyn Bay last month we’ve been performing pretty well, we just need to start changing those close games into wins.”
“This is never an easy time of year for semi-pro players. Whilst everyone else is partying, what with all the games coming up they’ve got to keep their discipline and prepare in their usual way. I’ve no worries about any of them on that front, after all they want to put some wins together just as much as the rest of us. The forecast for the next couple of weeks doesn’t look great but hopefully we’ll be able to get some games on. After the lack of free training facilities during the last cold snap things should be easier for us over Christmas and New Year with indoor pitches more readily available. That will allow us to have some decent sessions and maintain our sharpness – something that will hopefully be in evidence on the pitch and in our results to provide you all with some Christmas cheer.”
Get yourself to that football ground.
FC United V Marine FC, SUNDAY, 19th December, kick off 3.00 pm at Bower Fold, Stalybridge.