FC United 7 Abbey Hey 1

September 14, 2006

Stuart Rudd celebrates his hat-trick

FC United's relentless assault on the North West Counties Division One title continued with this barnstorming victory.

Manager Karl Marginson rang the changes giving several regulars a well-earned rest, but it made no odds after the Rebels swept the visitors aside to win their ninth straight game.

A crowd of 1,566, depleted by a certain game being played at Old Trafford, created the best atmosphere of the season, and they were soon on their feet as FC's Josh Howard opened the scoring with a calm lob.

Almost immediately from the restart, Rob Nugent headed in from a corner. To their credit, the visitors went straight up the other end, and Mike Morse unlocked the FC defence with a clever finish - only the second goal conceded this season.

But it merely served to postpone the rout as striker Stuart Rudd banged in a superb hat-trick of astonishing variety - a low drive, a header and a scrambled tap-in.

He was taken off at half-time as a precaution along with skipper Dave Chadwick.

Soon after the neat work from subs Steve Spencer and Lee Ellis saw Howard slot in the sixth before .forcing Abbey Hey's Steve Worthington to put in his own net.

You can see more pictures from the game in our gallery.

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DonnyRed, Doncaster (14/09/2006 at 10:32)

Changed the team, changed the formation yet still the same result. Stuart Rudd in particular was great last night. His 1st goal was so like Sparky in his prime it was like going back in time. The header for his second could have been Cantona. 1500 considering what was happening down the road was awesome. Just shows FC fans are still MUFC fans eh despite what some would have you believe.

red john, urmston (14/09/2006 at 12:36)

a little worrying that the crowds have dipped this season; despite a much better team all round. Come on reds get behind the boys, see you there on sat

Torpey's Ghost, Main Stand Gigg Lane (14/09/2006 at 12:59)

Don't worry John, our crowds took a while to get going last season as well. Mid October was the point where things started to take off last season. With the holiday season, too many mid week games and clashes with both England and United it's no surprise that we are getting a few less. I expect a 2,500 + avererage again by the end of the season and that keeps us well above most teams in the Conference and on par with a few league two sides.

The Pie Eater, Dog and Duck PH (14/09/2006 at 13:31)

Another amazing result from those boys in crimson FC. I have just put a 1,000 GBP on them to go through the season unbeaten. I reckon my monies safe.

Free Red, Manchester (14/09/2006 at 13:44)

Could the drop in attendances in anyway be related to United MASSIVE crowd last night.

Free Red, Manchester, (Accept no imitations) (14/09/2006 at 14:30)

The other free red aka Bertie blue. If you had read the article you would known before you posted. I was myself given a free ticket for the OT match (believe it or not) which I chose to pass on to a friend - also for free by the way. He provided me with a mobile update on every goal scored at OT as I did the same from Gigg lane to him. Others were doing the same and when Ole scored Gigg lane was singing his prises. The only thing that surprised me was that even with half the FC support and thousands of Celtic fans going to OT, last night was still short of a sell out. But what ever else, last night was a great night for reds everywhere - Now let me see, how did city get on v. Reading. Both Uniteds have won all there matches this season. Viva la revolution, come on FC.

Great Balls of Fire, Good Golly Miss Molly (14/09/2006 at 15:03)

I do believe Free Red touched a raw nerve there. Of course handing on a spare ticket isn't really helping teh Glzaer debt is it. Old no mutations FR couldn't possibly do that could he. Still when has telling the truth eveer featured in FR's dribblings.

TwoUniteds, Horwich (14/09/2006 at 16:01)

Watching little United this season is awesome. Yes the crowds are down, but we are as loud as ever. The quality of the football at times is amazing and ¿¿ for ¿¿ nobody can match it. Free for kids (under 18's), this weekend and only ¿¿7 for adults. 3PM ON SATURDAY, not dictated to by certain TV channels to suit their viewing figures.
I know whose account I'd rather my money went into.
Give FC a try this Saturday and enjoy being able to afford to take the whole family and not have to take out a second mortgage to go to watch football.
MUFC/FCUM 2 Uniteds 1 Soul.

Torpey's Ghost, Main Stand Gigg Lane (14/09/2006 at 16:09)

Pie eater, what odds did you get?

The Pie Eater, Dog and Duck PH (15/09/2006 at 11:48)

Torpey 31 to 1. Not bad hey!

Stad, manchester (15/09/2006 at 12:41)

I would recommend going to an FC match to anyone, the football this season has been brilliant and the atmosphere and banter is unique.
Get down to Gigg Lane tomorrow ¿¿7.00 for adults and free for under 18s and remind yourself what going to a match used to be like before it bacame so sanitised and expensive.
Whatever the result (although FC usualy win) it`s always good fun, non stop singing and plenty of humour.

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