FC UNITED will welcome back a host of former favourites for their visit to the scene of their first ever league game.
The reds travel to face Leek CSOB at Harrison Park on Saturday, July 11. It is the scene of their debut in the North West Counties League’s second division back in August 2005.
Old boys Joz Mitten, Steve Spencer and Dave Brown will feature in the All Star team alongside players who have been at the club ever since that historic day, including Simon Carden and Dave Chadwick.
FC manager Karl Marginson said: "It’s been great fun getting in touch with old mates and I’ll add in a few of the current squad, especially those like Chaddy and Si Carden, who have been with us since that first season.
"Unfortunately, centre back Rob Nugent will miss out after giving me some excuse about still being on his honeymoon."
The game will kick-off at 3pm and on the gate admission will cost £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions.
Meanwhile, FC will travel to South Korea next week to face fans-owned club Bucheon FC 1995. For further details visit the website: www.fc-utd.co.uk.
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Free Red, Manchester (10/07/2009 at 13:13)
This Saturday is the town’s Club Day, where the children from the various churches and chapels walk in precession through the town. Roads in the town are closed by the police. Therefore, it is in the interests of travelling supporters to come to the game via the A523. Harrison Park is on the Macclesfield Road before entering the town.
There are several pubs in the vicinity of the ground and the club’s Social Club will be open from 1:30pm.
Leek CSOB are planning for their Under-7s and Under-8s youngsters to walk out onto the pitch with the players from both sides. Also, at half-time their girls Under-10s team will be involved with a training and skills programme on the pitch.
Free Red, Manchester (12/07/2009 at 14:44)
The Red army returned to Harrison Park nearly four years after FC United played their first ever competitive game there in what was then the North West Counties Football League Division Two. Karl Marginson’s side ran out 5-2 winners that day and he called upon several players who had played in that match and in our inaugural season.
Phil Priestley was back between the posts, Dave Brown was reunited with David Chadwick at the back, Steve Spencer was rolling back the years in midfield alongside Tony Coyne and Craig Fleury whilst Joz Mitten partnered Orr up front.
Just as with four years ago, United found themselves a goal down early on but they hit back in formidable fashion very similar to how they had done on the same ground in 2005. Former Manchester City left-back Ben Morris was making his Reds debut as a triallist and it was his cross from the left wing on 17 minutes which was converted by a stunning diving header from Orr.
The scores were level at the break and Margy introduced seven substitutes to give a run-out to several new faces including former Ashton United forward Deegan and ex-Altrincham midfielder Val Owen.
Deegan went on to steal the show. He scored his first 13 minutes after the restart courtesy of a tap in after being set up by fellow debutant Shaw, his second came in a similar manner on 75 minutes and he completed his hat-trick with five minutes to go when he fired home the rebound from a penalty save at the second attempt. Sam Ashton, who had replaced Priestly at half-time, had also saved a penalty minutes earlier.
The day provided an enjoyable trip down memory lane for a few hundred supporters and a number of players and staff connected with the club but perhaps more importantly it will give Margy a better idea of which players he name in his squad for the season when he announces it in the next few days.