FC UNITED continue to forge ahead in the promotion race on the field ... and chip away at football injustice off it.
The Rebels won 2-1 at Darwen to open up a six-point gap at the top of the Moore and Co Solicitors League second division.
But a relatively low crowd of 1,715 turned up in north Lancashire, a sign of disgruntlement with the way Darwen had refused to sell tickets for the game in Manchester until late in the week, and at their decision to charge the full £6 admission for children and OAPs. Some supporters boycotted the game altogether.
Darwen chairman Kevin Henry had claimed the refusal to allow concessions was a safety matter, but FC supporters delivered their own musical verdict on the day: "Six quid for kids? Yer 'aving a laugh. At least Dick Turpin wore a mask."
Back-pass
In the end, it was a little bit of magic from tricky striker Steve Torpey that won the game with 13 minutes left.
He came up with a piece of skill that combined two Cristiano Ronaldo-style step-overs with a curling shot reminiscent of Norman Whiteside's winner in the 1985 FA Cup final.
The Darwen keeper did well to palm it away, but the ball fell at Simon Carden's feet for an easy finish.
Darwen raised their game even after defender Dave Brown - making his first start for United - had fired his side into a 22nd-minute lead.
They equalised on 58 minutes when FC keeper Barrie George hesitated in dealing with a back-pass and big striker Neil Zarac bundled the ball past him.
United manager Karl Marginson now wants his players to step up a gear for Wednesday night's home game with New Mills.
Should Darwen have refused to allow concessions? Have your say.
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Should never have been all ticket. Stupid idea, loads of us stayed away.
Looks like the wednesady game will be off as Met Office forecast cold weather this week.
Good result at Darwin.
Selling tickets at adult prices only was a totally unreasonable and unjustifiable position for Darwen to adopt. FC United it a true family club having a healthy mix of all ages. It is one of FC United's most enviable qualities and one very close to my heart. The ground on Saturday could have been in Hamlen rather than Darwen. Still a great atmosphere, but it was more reminiscent of an Old Trafford game than a FC United game. I understand our Manager; coaching staff and all the players declined the customary post match hospitality and left straight after the game. Just goes to show the support we give the team can be reciprocated. I would be amazed if other clubs we are to play don't sit up and take notice. Fans have been exploited enough down the years and I won't be used again.
Yeah its a disgrace charging fans B#6 to get in. You make more money by charging B#7. Thats real exploitation.
The pitch at Gigg Lane is today looking playable. Following an
inspection this morning we are now confident that, save for an
unexpected and serious deterioration in the weather, the match will
go ahead tomorrow. http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/news/story.php?story_id=140
Free Red. No directions to Gigg Lane for the out of towners? Come on New Mills.
Didn't I already write this article prior to the game in my comments about the hubbub about the "ticket prices"? The handlers knew that the fans wouldn't show up at Darwen so they built in an excuse why the attendance would be less than 2000. (Just as I predicted)
I don't exactly see 1000 kids in the stands at any FC games. So that wouldn't explain the nearly 2000 person drop off. How predictable and pathetic.
Here were my comments PRIOR to the Darwen game:
Gee, Malcolm. Could this article be a "set up" for when there are less than 2000 show up for the Darwen game??? I can read the column now: Less than 2000 showed up at Darwen this past week because of the boycott. Sure. Per Darwin: Survival of the Fittest. Tough news that someone needs to break to Fat Club.
Tommy, Tampa
15/11/2005 at 19:53
I notice it was the team mouthpiece and publicist Stuart Brennan who put the original "Greedy Darwen" aritcle together with some all too cozy quotes from his buddy Andy. It is a shame no one else besides Malcolm and myself can put 2 and 2 together and get 4. Master use of the puppets by the FCUM board and its tenticles.