This will be a tough match, Kendal are a good side and we'll have to do well to win. Not sure we'll be able to get the new midfielder we've signed available in time which is a shame as Rigoglioso is banned. Nice to see we have got Jake Cottrell on a contract though, he's a very good player.

Reds’ renaissance boosted by Mark and Angelo. FC United’s charge for the UniBond Premier Division play-offs has been boosted by the signings of centre-back Mark Ayres and midfielder Angelos Tsiaklis. Cyprus under-21 international, Tsiaklis joins from Blue Square Premier club Wrexham after previously spending nearly 10 years at Manchester City whilst Ayres has signed from UniBond Division One North side Salford City. Manager Karl Marginson works with three of Tsiaklis’ cousins at Manchester College and through that link he has been able to get the 20-year-old to join the club. Tsiaklis made six appearances for the Red Dragons on a two month loan spell at the end of 2008. However, after joining the club on a full-time basis last summer, he has seen first team opportunities limited and so he’s decided to move on. Ayres played under Margy when he was assistant manager at Flixton and the 24-year-old has also played against FC United three times for the Valley Road club. Margy said: “I’ve known Mark for a long time; he always had a lot of potential as a youngster. He’s got a lot of pace, he doesn’t mess about and he gets the simple things right.” FC United are awaiting clearance from the Welsh FA for Tsiaklis and Margy thinks there will be a need for some ‘settling in time’ before the two new players feature in the first team but he said: “We want plenty of competition for places as we get into the business end of the season.”

In other team news Cottrell signs contract. FC United is pleased to announce that midfielder Jake Cottrell has signed a contract which will keep him at the club until the end of the season. The 20-year-old has consistently impressed FC United’s management team and supporters alike since joining the club in the summer from North West Counties side Oldham Town and the decision has been taken to reward him for this. Manager Karl Marginson said: "It's great news that Jake has signed. He’s performed consistently well throughout the season. I think he’s been an eight out of ten or above every week so it’s good to know we’ve got him till the end of the season and hopefully next season too." Margy paid tribute to Darren Lyons, FC United's Head of Player Development, for spotting Cottrell's potential whilst he was plying his trade three divisions below the UniBond Premier. Margy said: "Daz told me about him last season and you have to trust your scouts. We got Jake in over the pre-season and could tell he was up to the task. It's never easy making a step up like that but he’s handled it very well." Cottrell was delighted to sign the contract. He said: "I've really enjoyed playing for FC. I didn't know what to expect when I first joined but I really enjoy playing every game, I love the atmosphere and the fans." The former Rochdale trainee admits it's a great confidence boost to be offered the deal and he has high hopes for the future. He said: "I'm pleased because I feel like I've proved myself. I’m glad to carry on playing at FC because I know we're one of the best teams in the league. We were unlucky at the beginning of the season but if we carry on getting results we can make it into the play-offs."

Good news for Margy - his latest delivery of fruit & veg has turned up!

There may be a pitch inspection at 1pm...Gigg is currently ice station zebra.

Match off - frozen pitch.

Game off...frozen pitch. Again!

the game is off