Votes in for new away shirt

This is democracy in action. We, the members of FC United got to vote on a new away shirt for next season. If all football clubs did this there would probably be no ridiculous away kits seen in football. Definately no pinks, as favoured by French rugby clubs, and no greys as favoured by sports wear manufacturers because they supposedly colour co-ordinate with denim jeans.

My own first choice from the five on offer didn't win but I'm happy with the result from the preferential voting system. Only a 25% turnout of the membership. Not so sure turnout is the right word as it was an online poll.

View from the Lounge as Buxton beat FC

FC United 1-0 Buxton
Unibond Premier League; attendance 2147
What was expected to be a chilly seat watching FC win against near bottom club Buxton was turned on its head. Watched the whole game from the Lounge Bar, behind glass at pitch height level. It's comfortable and something alien to me. Never seen a game standing on carpet with the noise of the crowd just creeping in above the chatter in the room.

Very hard to keep up with the flow of the game, one whole corner of the pitch was out of view and with the distractions of beer, peanuts, crisps and SkySports News on Tv I didn't have my 90% focus on the play. Essentially Buxton got a goal at 53 minutes, they were surprised, and so was everyone else. Unfortunately despite some strong attacks and some shots that tested the Buxton goalie that was the only goal of the game.

Still our small group who had been given free tickets to watch the match really enjoyed their day out. Because it was a different cosy experience for the likes of us terrace fodder it'll be remembered for that and not the football.

Admission : free, bus & tram ticket £5.80, beers £7.80, snacks £1.50. Weather 7 degrees, and light rain showers - still got wet stomping between the ground to Bury Interchange for the tram.

As for FC United they are now languishing in the relegation zone on 17 points with Whitby Town and Buxton. Poor Durham City are doomed with nil points. So a few wins needed to climb back to mid-table comfort before the season ends on 24th April 2010. No one is worried yet as this is a topsy turvey league and could still storm up to the play-offs by winning the four games in hand.

FC United 5.8k run

FC United organised one of those charity runs for Medequip4kids. Bit of stroll across Chorlton Meadows. As that's on my doorstep nipped down to see what was going on. Retired to the Irish Club afterwards for the festivities and prizes that followed.

Dabbers Seen Off

FC United 4-0 Nantwich Town
Unibond Premier; attendance 1,650
at Ewen Fields, Hyde United FC
A mid-week travel adventure and what a cracking game. What we got was a slick passing FC United and a battling and always dangerous Nantwich. A red card in the second half for a Nantwich player, and a missed penalty by Nantwich in the first half - it hit the post.

So off to Hyde as the home game. Took the Hadfield train from Piccadilly at 1918 calling at Ashburys (very dark), Gorton (didn't know they had a station), Guide Bridge (brightly lit), Flowery Field (sound sbetter than it is)...must remember to get off next otherwise I'll end up in Godley, then Hadfield which is where they filmed the League of Gentlemen Tv series.

Caught a view of the floodlights soon after leaving the station, and a ten minute walk gets you into the ground. In fact a lovely ground - clean, sturdy, plenty of stands. Plus a very well kept pitch. Considering Hyde played Salford in the FA Cup the previous night after a day of heavy rain it was in remarkable condition.

Watched the first half from the main stand side. The Nantwich fans, about 30 of them, had brought along a drum, which is always annoying. The FC fans went through their songbook for the next 90 minutes. For the second half went to the FC end. I do have a preference for watching your own side score close-up. Lucky tonight managed to see all four goals. One from a free kick, round the wall and into the far left corner. Keeper looked pretty miffed he didn't save it. He looked miffed later on when the defence did a bit of ball watching from 6 yards out.

Admission £7.50, refreshments £2.30, bus & rail ticket £5.30 (at last I've managed to understand the combined tickets available in Manchester). Got home at 2250h and straight onto the red wine - a fruity South African organic fairtrade bottle suitable for mid-week drinking.

Eventually I should get to every football ground in Greater Manchester, there are about 40 and I have still have 15 to go....

Just A Pic: Night Game

The last thing you'd imagine is finding yourself on a website in an unfamiliar pose watching a match. Browsing the Maine Road FC website spotted myself in a nonchalant position on the left, and the Biffa herself with red hoodwear. It's the friendly with FC United in August.

Done a bit of digital manipulation to try and give it an oil painting feel. Last season I was snapped at the Manchester United Reserves v. Accrington Stanley match with other work dodgers at The Cliff - it was a Thursday afternoon 1400h kick off. Stanley might not be around much longer 'cos the tax collecters want about 300k next month and they haven't got it in the bank - yet.

Back to see Maine Road v. Bamber Bridge in a FA Cup tie tomorrow afternoon, followed by Spurs v. United on ESPN, followed by our local street party. Heady days. It will be if the football results are right. Especially the one in Dronfield, Yorkshire where Sheffield FC play FC United in the FA Cup. Billed as the oldest club versus the newest club. Back to reality on Sunday with a shift at work.

Footie in the old grey town

Kendal Town 1-0 FC United
Unibond Premier 2009/10; attendance 1,117

Two nights in Kendal, see the sights of south Cumbria but the footie was always going to be the highlight. Up ridiculously early for a Saturday. Going to Windermere, Ambleside and Bowness first. It's not cheap doing a round trip in single journeys by bus and ferry. Got back to Kendal about 1400h. Just about time to grap a sandwich, and make shortcut through the cemetary to get to the Lakeside Stadium.

We took up on open air seats behind the goal. Rest those legs, and let the game entertain us. Let's hope it doesn't rain again. First half Kendal took all the action down to the FC goal at the other end. A few lucky let offs and eventually they scored just before half time. It was bound to happen. When you watch FC United you are used to going a few goals down so are never worried.

Spirited FC play in the second half. We hadn't moved from our seats so again all the play was again at the far end. Hit the post, scrambles in front of goal but still no equaliser. The game got a bit heated. The ref was flashing the yellow card again, yet again, and one red to Kendal player. Instead of walking off the pitch was jumped the wall into the crowd. Didn't see him again. Noticed there is a distinct slope from top right to bottom left in the Kenal pitch. Finding any flat land around these parts is an achievement.

Despite piling on the pressure FC failed to score. Oh well. At least Kendal will be happy staying top and having a good crowd turn up. We went off to see the nearby Kendal Castle. Basically a ruin on top of a hill. It comes with a moat and a couple of garderobes built high into the walls.

Admission £8; programme £1.50 (a good read) - other expenses have been attributed to the holiday budget. You could easily do this as a day trip on the train and it would be great in sunny weather.

FC Fail to get a Play off Place

Listened to the FC United on the wonderful FCUM Internet radio. I really wanted to be at Gigg Lane with the biggest crowd of the season of 3,714. But circumstances were otherwise. Leading by one goal against Bradford Park Avenue for most the match. But near the end BPA squared it. News that Kendal were drawing 2-2 with Whitby Town meant it was still possible to get 5th place.

Had to go to Old Trafford five minutes before the end left in a no know situation. Got to the stadium and before we entered had do some web browsing on the mobile phone. Eventually the right page came up to display the results. Kendal won 3-2, and FC United drew 1-1.

1. Eastwood Town 87
2. Ilkeston Town 82
3. Nantwich Town 76
4. Guiseley 76
5. Kendal Town 74
6. FC United of Manchester 72
7. Bradford Park Avenue 72

So another season in the Unibond Premier - it's a very competitive league. A few new teams to see. Durham City are promoted up, Hyde United coming down from the Blue Square North. Also there are rumours that FC United will be playing not at Bury next season but where then?

FC halted by Dabbers

FC United 0-0 Nantwich Town
Unibond Premier; attendance 2,840

Mega Cabin at FC United from biffadigital on Vimeo.
Three games to go and really hoping for an FC United win today against Nantwich Town. That's the 4th place team against 3rd place and both looking for a play off place. So the three of us set off, the Biffa herself, The Neighbour is driving and me doing distracting chatting. A great sunny day spent in the garden and now an afternoon in the sunshine of Bury.

In the end it was a frustrating draw. Both teams cancelling each other out in a close encounter. Anyone could have won it. FC came close with two shots that cannoned against the cross bar, and some goal mouth scrambles. But the Dabbers are a solid side and their No.11 stands out as a play maker.

Come 1700h FC now lie in 6th with Nantwich in 5th. I feel a play off place has slipped away - it's now down to teams like Kendal Town and Bradford Park Avenue throwing points away. Actually the pessimist in me has already worked out is coming up and down into this league - all teams I've not seen.

Even though the result wasn't good, it was an entertaining match. The Biffa herself bought a badge for £3 from the Mega Cabin, and The Neighbour splashed out on a Republic of Mancunia clock. The Mega Cabin is the friendly merchandise outlet just outside the Gigg Lane ground - it started a few years with a table called the Mega Stall.

Game 63; admission £7.50

FC win at the seaside

Marine 2-3 FC United
Unibond Premier; attendance 1,146
A trip to the seaside for the team, the supporters and ourselves. We're more like a comedy double act - sandwiches and MP3 players dashing to Manchester Oxford Road for the fast train to Liverpool South Parkway. It's a modern station built for Liverpool John Lennon Airport and appears to run without any staff so you end up confused trying to find which platform your next train is leaving from. It would make a great film set for a chase scene. The next train was the Hunt's Cross to Southport service. It stops everywhere and even does three underground stations that look like the London tube network. I take every opportunity for rail travel, but I'm glad I don't commute anymore.

Get off at Blundellsands & Crosby and you're in leafy suburbia and fantastic Victorian villas. There are a few police about. Straight down to the beach to check out the Anthony Gormley statues. They all have numbers and one labelled 57 is the first one we touch.

Let's get to the game. It's all ticket and we're going in the wrong entrance. We're in the right part and spend the next two hours in a long bus shelter. The home fans are in a fine high stand behind the goal and they have drums. Bit of competitive singing follows. The game has a cautious start with nobody dominant. Eventually out of the blue FC score after about half an hour. But Marine come straight back to equalise. No worries, but they score again straight after that. Is this going to be a bad day? Fortunately FC don't crumble and score just before half time.

Finish of the pie and sandwiches at half time and it all starts again 15 minutes later. Lots of fans come down to our end of the bus shelter. Can you believe it, an all ticket, non-league game and I'm being jostled. Good build up work by FC and they get a third goal at about 60 minutes. Hoping for a 4th to seal it but in the end it's run down the clock by just keeping the ball. Marine are a good side much better than their run of defeats suggests.

Nice three points and a pleasant walk back to the station with a police helicopter hovering over head. There is always a chance of trouble in any Manc v. Scouse game. I suppose they'd get the police horses trotting even for a snakes and ladders tie. Back in Manchester at about 1845h and catch the bus home. Have to buy new tickets as we've lost our day savers - one blew away on the beach, the other who knows - no cracks about thievin bin dippers please.

Game 58 this season; admission £8, programme £2, train fare £9.90, bus fares £5.40. Took own sandwiches, pie and confectionary, didn't have any beer.

Stormin FC United Win

FC United 4-0 Ashton United
Unibond Premier; attendance 1,716

Took myself up to Bury straight from work. Wanted to buy some tickets for the away fixture at Marine. A visit to Crosby..".oooh, I'm giving that one a miss" said Les when I saw him later. "Not after that trouble when they came here." "Thanks Les", I replied, "anyway that was just some players on the pitch". "They'll be a police presence inside and outside the ground." I'll stop worrying it'll be a great day out.

Back to the night match. The supporters were still coming in when the first goal was scored. A rifle of a shot from Carlos Rocca. Could be a good night. I must say FC United looked frisky, and though I've not been many times this season this was the best I've seen them play. Good passing to feet, tearing up the wings, just generally bossing the game.

This night will be remembered for Carlos Rocca getting a hat trick and the crowd waiting behind to cheer him off the pitch with the match ball. Players are always happy to get this traditional gift. I've seen Premiership footballers who could afford to buy a warehouse of footballs genuinely pleased to carry a football and getting a standing ovation.

Sat behind a couple of blokes from some a Slavic speaking country and they looked well happy with the night's entertainment. Other points of interest was at half time some youngsters from a school came on to get cups and medals won in a football competition. The crowd chanted "Championes" as they ran up the pitch. It probably made their night too.

My man of the match Jerome Wright for causing havoc in attack, official man of the match Tunji Moses - son of Remi the former Manchester United player. Video highlights are on FCUM-Tv. Too early to say if a play off place awaits. So off to Scouseland on Saturday and hoping for bright weather as we check out Blundell Sands beach before the game - it has the famous Anthony Gormley statues. Nothing like a bit culture to go with your bag of chips.

Game 57 this season; admission £7.50, chips £1.40, confectionary 65p, tram ticket £4 (not off peak prices setting off at 1820h), bus ticket £2.20.

Leigh score 4 FC slump

FC United 2-4 Leigh Genesis
Unibond Premier League; attendance 1,850

The regular trek up to Bury, my mp3 player makes the 40 minute tram journey pass quickly. Must set off earlier next time so I can re-visit Bury Market which I haven't been around in years. Won awards last year, it must be more than black pudding stalls and plastic buckets that come to mind.

The teams come out and the speakers announce the line up. Some unfamiliar names, lots of players move around clubs at this level. FC were hoping to sign Leigh's top scorer Phil Marsh this week but he's still with the visitors. We're going to struggle for goals with our top scorer Kyle Wilson injured.

The game is 20 seconds old and Leigh are awarded a penalty, we're lucky the goalie Sam Ashton isn't sent off. What a start! Don't think I've ever seen a first minute penalty before. I have now, they score. It's that Phil Marsh.

Game goes on, FC creating good chances and I'm thinking about the pie I've got in my plastic bag. No more goals until FC equalise in the second half. Then Leigh get awarded another penalty. I think their forward was looking to get tripped as he had no one to pass to.

Long story short - the score gets to 2-2. The worse follows. After FC equalise, Leigh then go back in front straight from kick off. Poor defending. Worse follows. At 3-2 up Leigh send a clearance ball up to the far corner flag. A time-wasting tactic. Only they take it up towards the FC goal and score. Went home in disgust.

Leigh Genesis who are next to bottom in the league brought a few hundred fans to cheer along. Heard them sing "Are you Prescot Cables in disguise?" It made me laugh, Prescot are the bottom club and even they would have won here today.

Split the Cables

FC United 2-0 Prescot Cables
Unibond Premier League; attendance 2,045

Sing The Sloop Song from biffadigital on Vimeo.
Had a few alternative games lined to visit but in the end I stayed loyal to FC United. Think it was the text I received on Friday from FC United asking us to come along and cheer on a possible third consecutive win. Signed by Margy the manager. The Biffa said "Margy hasn't sent you that text. It's from Margy's gimp". "Margy doesn't have a gimp" I retorted "it's definately from him".

Ended up getting a later tram than usual which got me to Bury just in time for kick-off after that 10 minute walk downhill from the station. Game eventually settled down, and after about 20 minutes I was thinking that FC are coming close to scoring. I was still thinking that when the ref blew for half time. Sat in front of the three amusing blokes who I remember from the play-off game against Bamber Bridge in May. You get banter, bickering, match updates from their mobiles and some funny anecdotes.

Second half and FC score from their first breakaway attack. Goalie couldn't hold the shot and Simon Carden slots home the re-bound. A couple of substitutions Tunji Moses, son of Remi Moses who played for Man. United made his debut. Also Tristram Whitman a forward with yellow boots on loan from Farsley Celtic I understand - he kept getting caught offside.

A comfortable win that gives the team a chance of a play-off place. Also a good attendance today back above 2,000.

My 42nd game this season - aiming for 60 to match the 60 I saw in the year 2008. Admission £7.50, raffle ticket £1, tram £2.90

Unstuck at Ashton

Ashton United 2-1 FC United
Unibond League Premier; attendance 1,561
I wanted to go by train, 10 minutes from Manchester Victoria. But the Biffa herself pointed out the faff of getting to the station and then to the ground. Then she started checking out Ikea online as there is a big store in Ashton-under-Lyne. The short of it we went by car and Ikea was a joke, thankfully. Looking at flat pack furniture on a Saturday with a lot of a people with nothing going on in their life except the pursuit of consumerism. Went to Lily's Vegetarian restaurant instead and sampled some South Indian delights - sev puri and uttapham for me, bel puri and marsala dhosa for the Biffa. Excellent scoff and under £15 for the two us. Pics.

Ashton United have the oldest ground in Greater Manchester at Hurst Cross. Football started here in 1878. It has two covered stands, some terraces, two refreshment huts and crowd barriers. Couldn't spot any Victorian toilets just those portable ones as at festivals. Plenty of flags flying including a large Canadian one - you can sponsor them said the programme.

The football was good stuff. Pity we lost but it was going to be hard to score against a very organised Ashton defence with four across the back. We let in some soft goals. Winning the ball back inside the penalty area then getting it taken off you just outside is careless. FC United came closest with two shots that hit the post, and one that rolled slowly just wide after their goalie was beaten. Pulled one back in the 90th minute, and with four minutes added time it made for a thrilling finish pushing for the equaliser.

In all, a good day out but bitterly cold with an iced breeze swirling around.
Game 59; admission £8, programme £2, raffle ticket £1

FCUM-TV Visual Radio

FCUM-TV Visual Radio from biffadigital on Vimeo.
Still at home recovering from whatever virus it is this year. FCUM-TV's visual radio service kept my spirits up. You don't see much but the commentary is entertaining, and my mate Les is up there this week making an appearance. A bit of the old teletext updated scores service from the BBC makes up the afternoon. I'll miss the old teletext when Tv goes completely digital next year. Digital text is slower, and more cumbersome to operate the buttons on the remote.

A good win for FC United against top of the table Hednesford Town. 3-0 in the fog at Gigg Lane, attendance 1,946.

FC 5 and the Cammells 5

FC United 5-5 Cammell Laird
Unibond Premier League; attendance 1,714
The long trip up to the deserted streets of Bury to be rewarded with a ten goal spectacle that any of the sides could have won. Woeful FC United defending. Dithering in the six yard box again and again. 2-4 down at half time after leading 2-1 earlier in the game.

Thought it was all over trailing 2-5 at 65 minutes. But some nifty substitutions changed things around. An appearance by Papis Deytte who had a 40 yard rocket shot hit the post. It lifted the crowd, everytime he got the ball he was implored to have a strike. 3-5 on 70 minutes, 4-5 on 80 minutes. We want six chanted the supporters. Then 5-5 at 89 minutes, and a further 4 minutes stoppage time to play.

Thoroughly entertaining match, went home in good spirits.
Game 52: admission £7.50, tram fare £2.70, bus fare £1.20

FC Goalless with Worksop

FC United 0-0 Worksop Town
Unibond Premier League: Attendance 2,033
Glorious sunny day in Bury, so bright that Worksop won the toss of the coin and changed ends so as not to play into the brightness. Should have brought my sunglasses as I was soon squinting at the game. Worksop are in green and white strip and go for a defensive game, one up front and everyone else behind the ball. Most of the game was in their half as FC put in cross after cross into the box. Second half was a bit more open play. FC hit the bar with a long range effort, and had a few headers on goal but nothing happened.

This is the third game on the run, except for the amateur game last week, that's ended with no goals. It gets a bit disheartening. Not the most exciting game I've seen, not dull, just no goals and no win to go home with....
Game 39: Admission £7.50 - no travel expenses, large Snicker bar at half time. Didn't bother with a cup of tea I'm fed up with the poor catering facilities at Bury FC. Bought a fanzine "Under the Boardwalk" - a very good read for just £2.

FC beaten at Prescot

Prescot Cables 4-3 FC United
listening live to FCUM-TV Radio
It had been a dull day with more rain so decided to have an evening indoors. Turned off the Tv and tuned the laptop to FCUM-TV Radio. At 3-1 down it looked all over. But three attacking substitutions changed the score to 3-3. A penalty was the equaliser. First time I've seen a penalty on the radio. You get a blurry picture of one half of the pitch. What you can't see clearly you make up with imagination. Scored by Kyle Wilson at the Safari Park End. Apparently Knowsley Safari Park is behind those goals. But the defence was caught napping again and Prescot got a 4th goal.

This is going to be tough, tough season for FC United. P7 W2 D1 L4 Points 7 position 15/22. Just as long as we don't leave this division from the bottom end. Prescot hadn't won a game until tonight so they'll be well pleased. Attendance 704.

Boston overcome FC United

FC United 0-1 Boston United
Unibond League Premier: att: 2,825

Pre-Match Handshakes from biffadigital on Vimeo.
Didn't think I'd be going to this game, but a car lift off the my old mate settled the matter. Boston brought up several hundred noisy supporters, the biggest away fan following I've seen at Gigg Lane. They'll be going back to Lincolnshire very pleased they took the points.

As with Saturdays game, bright attacking play but chances kicked high into row 50 at the finish. Boston looked the more professional outfit and created plenty of openings of the FC defence. Fortunately it remained just 1 down at half time, could easily have been 3 or 4 down.

Second half and I thought FC would at least get an equaliser, especially afterJerome Wright came on as sub. But Boston packed the defence when needed and won the game. Oh well, this is going to a tough season the teams in this league are of sterner stuff than previous campaigns.

Game :32, admission £7.50. Didn't buy a programme or a cash draw ticket, had my own sandwich at the break. Credit crunch time but a good entertaining game.

Video is of the pre-match handshake business which has been copied from the Premier League but without the music. Not sure I approve. I'll get back to video editing clips together next month.

FC take the points in the hills

Buxton 0-1 FC United
Unibond League Premier att: 2090

Footie Singing at Buxton from biffadigital on Vimeo.
It's nice to wake up to an English summer's day instead of the recent dark skies and wet weather. Leave the train, no chance of missing your stop as it's the end of the line from Manchester, and walk downhill into the pretty town. Plenty of time to look around. We go to the spring water, and I even drink a bottle of the stuff. I rarely drink water unless very thirsty but this is good stuff. The Biffa herself even manages to buy a hand-knit woollen hat, though this is not a day for hats.

Lots of police about. Is there going to be trouble? I doubt it, they probably all want over-time pay. Two riot vans, one copper with a dog, 13 of them in the ground, 8 of them at the station. C'mon this is non-league football not a local grudge derby. The game is fast but any chances on goal are squandered. No goals in the first half. I tell the Biffa that "they should take our No.7 off as his passing is dreadful, looks a bit over-weight and not on form. Bet he goes and scores now". Bloody hell, he does. Jamie Baguely hits a long distance curler into the top of the goal, keeper no chance.

After that Buxton pile on the pressure, but their supporters who were very noisy in the first half don't get behind them. Good defending, and a bit of time wasting by taking the ball up to the Buxton corner flag and messing about in the last ten minutes. Think we can hang on and get the points. We do, first win of the year. W1, D1, L1 , and somebody announces Bradford Park Avenue have lost 3-1. They are seen as the money bags club who poached two of our star players.

Game 31. Admission £8, programme £1.50, train fare £7.00, bus fare £3.30, expresso in local coffee shop £1.30, brought own sandwiches for half time.

Big Day Out in Buxton

Can you believe there isn't a Manchester United home game until the 27th September. Luckly I have my other team, and so it's off to Buxton for some live football to see FC United play their 3rd game this season. Buxton is a small, beautiful town in the hills. It has the highest football ground in Britain, some fantastic Georgian architecture nearby, and clear spring water that has poured out of a fountain since the Romans did a nationwide empire tour. You fill your water bottles for free instead of buying it in a supermarket.

The match is all ticket - the ground has a capacity of 3,000 - and is the biggest match for years to come to town. I checked out the Buxton FC website and the chairman has written a special article for Saturday's programme on the links over the years between Buxton FC and Manchester United. There is even full match commentary on the local FM station - www.highpeakradio.co.uk - available online.

Got a new video camera, quality pictures let down by hand shake and battery flake out. Butties (sandwiches in English), money for train ticket and drink. As we say 'bring it on'.

FC United Grab A Point

FC United 3-3 Matlock Town
Unibond Premier League att: 2,344 (H-T 2-2)

First Goal of the season from biffadigital on Vimeo.
The 4th season and a new higher division, this is going to be a very tough 9 months ahead. Some of our star players have gone elsewhere for more money, so I'm not familiar with some of the new squad. Matlock Town look pretty fast and have a two good wingers causing a lot of problems. It shows and we're a goal down after only 7 minutes. The hundred or so Matlock Town fans get excited, and so does everybody on their bench. Perhaps they'd thought it was going to be tough fixture for themselves.

A penalty for FC United on 16 minutes evens up the score, and another goal follows a couple of minutes later. The play is very open and I'm thinking there will be a lot more goals. FC United don't press home and by half time it's 2-2. The second half was big flat until Matlock Town score again. Pressure on to salvage a point, a few substitutions and one of the Baguley brothers knocks it in for 3-3. Maybe we can get the winner too, but even with 3 minutes added time it wasn't to be.

Game 29: Admission £7.50, programme £2, fanzine £2, cup of tea £1.60, development draw ticket £1 (didn't win as usual), tram fare £2.70. Cost £16.80.

Video is of Kyle Wilson scoring from the penalty mark at the Cemetary Road End, Gigg Lane.
Trivia notes : Matlock Town were founded in 1878, the same year as Manchester United. I detected 19 mobile phones with Bluetooth at half time. My first pie of the season was a b.y.o. Sesame Flan made by Saker Bakeries in Todmorden.

A Football Talk not a match

Went to a Football Talk tonight. The room was a bit warm, the acoustics not helpful but it was interesting. So was the architecture with it being on the 4th floor of the Urbis centre . Up at the front was Gary James author of Manchester A Football History, followed by Andy Walsh the General Manager of FC United.

Gary's bit was about Manchester Central, a team from the 1920's and 1930's who tried to join the league but who were blocked by Manchester City and Manchester United. A third Manchester team would certainly have had an impact on attendance figures. You can read it all in the book, which I already had done.

Andy outlines the progress of FC United over the last three years, especially the community work. The big issue facing the club, which as every FC United fan knows, is getting their own ground. It still some years away, and needs some serious money. I don't think any fans like a groundshare. But there is a lot of optimism, it will happen but these things take time. What is different about FC United is it's a sustainable football club. It has to be, there will be no millionaires involved...

Altrincham beat FC - oh well

Altrincham 3-0 FC United
Pre-season friendly match; att 831.
A warm, 17 degrees, summer evening and a tram ride from Stretford to Altrincham to see a non-competitive match. Really just to see the new signings for FC United, and what else am I going to do on a Tuesday? Stay in with the Tv - the Biffa herself is in London and the cats are out hunting.

It looked a promising open game. FC in an unfamiliar all blue, and Altrincham in yellow shirts and black shorts. But a goal down after 7 minutes and after that FC didn't look like they'd find the net. Second half they came closer - about five shots towards goal but nothing on target. Altrincham are an organised squad and don't appear to be troubled. They score again, on 65 minutes - game over. They get a third in the 80th minute. But by then I'm wondering how much the houses they are building behind the goal will be selling for. Think I'd go for the middle one, dreaming of watching Conference League football for nothing, and finding lost footballs in your garden.

So far from a thrilling game, just a run-out for the teams to get some match fitness. Get hungry in the second half and buy some chips. You can watch the game whilst in the queue but it's mostly Altrincham bringing on lots of substitutes.
Game 26, admission £7, programme £1, pie and chips £2.70, tram £2.70, bus £1.10

FC Friendlies & Unibond

FC United of Manchester
Pre-Season Friendlies (confirmed to date)
Friday 6th June: Marburg XI (a)
it's in Deutschland, and part of an anti-racist demo & festival

Tuesday 22nd July 1945h: Altrincham (a)
Saturday 26th July 1500h: Tamworth (a)
Wednesday 6th August 1945h: Curzon Ashton (a)

Already looking forward to watching FC in the Unibond Premier next season, that's 3 divisions below the Football League. A chance to see plenty of teams I've never seen before like Leigh RMI, North Ferriby United from Hull, Buxton with the highest football ground in Britain, and some Scouse clubs like Marine and Prescott Cables.

Just A Pic : FC United Celebrate

FC United of Manchester on the front page of today's Non-League Paper celebrating the promotion to Unibond Northern Premier League. For some reason this weekly, and rival publication are both stocked by my local Co-op, and at the Texaco garage up the road. Well I had to buy it, price 1.40, it's always an interesting read, well it is to me.

The other great promotion was fans club AFC Wimbledon going up to the Blue Square South (Conference South) - well done the Wombles, they'll be on Setanta next season.

FC Up Up Up

Got back from Old Trafford about half way through the first half of the FC United match. Fire up the laptop get the "visual internet radio" on. Oh dear, a goal down to the scousers. But fortunes soon turned around. A Skelmersdale player handled on the line. Red card, and a penalty kick. So evens before half time.

Thought to make the most of the nice weather. Connected one of those little FM transmitters to the laptop, we're now broadcasting across the house. We put out the reclining chairs, tuned into low powered Radio Biffa on 107.9 Mhz relaying FCUM-TV Radio and followed the game. The commentary is funny, rambling and would never be allowed at the BBC.

Soon it went 2-1 up , then 3-1. Skelmersdale reduced to 9 men with another red card. Rounded off with 4-1. I had my doubts about promotion this year but it has happened. Unibond Northern Premier League next season - Buxton, Prescot Cables, Eastwood Town, North Ferriby. Three successive promotions!!! The ten division love affair continues.

FC United 4-1 Skelmersdale United att: 3,258
Unibond Division 1 North Play Off Final at Gigg Lane, Bury.

FCUM-TV radio kept broadcasting after the game as the crowd were singing, the players lapping the pitch, and the commentators cracked open the cider. Well happy with that.

FC get to play-off final

FC United 3-2 Bamber Bridge att:1820 , Gigg Lane
Unibond Division One Play Off Semi-Final
A tight game tonight. It wasn't until about the 22nd minute that FC managed to string a few passes together and this put Adam Carden through on goal. He took it well. But most of the play was hoof the ball and chase it nowhere. Another goal from Rory Patterson before half-time and it's looking comfortable. Second half the game starts slipping away. Bamber Bridge score and are back it in. This spurs the home crowd to get behind FC and another goal - it's now 3-1. Just as I'm saying to the bloke next to me it's won it then slips again. Sloppy defending now 3-2. So now it's a noisy, nervous, scrappy 11 minutes until the final whistle.

Funiest moment chatting to the blokes behind me who try out bluetooth on the mobiles at half time. Basically you see how many names come up in a search. Tonight it is 30, apparently not a good night.

So onto the play-off final on Saturday against on-form Skemersdale United. Unfortunately I won't be able to make Bury in half an hour from the end of the West Ham game. Well not unless I can arrange motorcycle outriders and blue lights. It'll be the wonders of internet radio.

Best song - to the tune of Country Road / United Road for Jerome Wright scorer of the winning goal.
Jerome he's United's own
Used to play for Maine Road
He's too good to be a Bitter
Jerome he's United's own

FC face Bamber in the play-offs

A week of high drama football next week. Massive United match against Barcelona on Tuesday night, followed by a tram trip to Bury on Wednesday to see if FC United came overcome Bamber Bridge in the play-off semi-finals. Should it be a win then the play-off final is on Saturday, again at Bury, with the winners of Skelmersdale United v. Curzon Ashton. Essentially any these teams can win it, but at least their is home advantage for FC United.

Make or break in a week.

FC United in the play-offs

Kept an eye on the FC United result last night. A 90th minute goal made it a 1-1 draw against Woodley Sports at home. Just a point, and with Curzon Ashton going down 1-2 at Newcastle Blue Star this means..
a) They'll be celebrating on the Park Avenues' of Bradford are they are promoted as champions
b) I should be going to Gigg Lane next Wednesday to cheer FC in a play-off semi-final
c) There are some other mathematical scenarios that could alter events.

For the armchair army there will be the amusing radio coverage from FCUM-TV, and possibly some free internet Tv from NPL TV. I watched Liverpool v. Chelsea on ITV, and Leek Town v. Fleetwood Town on the laptop on Tuesday. Getting better at following two games at once. NPL-TV whom I thought would fold after six months are now very likely owned by Sky (same email address). Media moguls are deep down in the non-league but at least the games are free - but for how long? It was ridiculous charging a fiver a match, you can see the real thing for £7 or buy Setanta for £10 a month. But full marks for excellent commentary, and picture quality. They also read your name out if you email in and comment during the game. Will appeal to some people I know, and myself...
.

FC in Presidents Cup Final

I promised myself if FC United got to a cup final this season I'd go. It's on Thursday and it means a trek over to Ashton-under-Lyne. The stadium is home to Curzon Ashton. It's modern and was opened by Sir Alex Ferguson with a match against a Manchester United Reserve side back in 2005.

FC United don't have a particularly good record against Radcliffe Borough - 1-1D, 1-3L, 2-2D. But there was tonight, Tuesday, when they managed a 2-0 win away against them which takes the team up to a 3rd place in the league.

Trivia note: The Chairman of Radcliffe Borough is Bernard Manning Jnr, who has taken over from his late dad. The Boro fans, bless them, do sing "we are the Bernard boys".

FC United on target

FC United 5-2 Lancaster City att: 2,704

A game of open and attacking football but it took FC United a while to settle. 1 nil down after 2 minutes, 2-1 down at 18 minutes. Thereafter they took control. The scoreline doesn't do justice to Lancaster City who hit the metalwork a few times and had some good chances to get back in the game. Considering FC had already played two games this week with a draw and a win they looked fresh and energetic. This was the last Saturday match at Gigg Lane this season, so felt I must go. Might not be here next season, it could a groundshare elsewhere?

Match 19: Admission 7.50, programme 2.00, cup of coffee 1.50, half time draw ticket 1.00, tram fare 2.70, bus fare 1.10. Took my own "smokey vegetable burrito" for a snack.

FC in goalless thriller

Listened to the second half of Bradford Park Avenue against FC United tonight. When the game started coming to an end it got to be the proverbial edge of the seat listening. Record number of listeners of 325, it informs you on the screen, it's not made up. But after all that it ended 0-0. Oh well, at the moment there still have a play-off place with six league games left to play, but all before the 27th April....
FCUM Radio

FC Late Winner at Woodley

Woodley Sports 1-2 FC United att: 1066

Easter Monday and we've driven to a sleepy part of Stockport. Woodley are a struggling club at the bottom of the division and have just put their prices up to £8. Can't begrudge them the money. First half is uneventful apart from the loss of the Woodley full back through injury, and our star player Rory Patterson takes a knock and doesn't come out in the second half.

Half time we walk round to the other end of the ground, wish I had permission to do this at Old Trafford. But we go a goal down (47), but this spurs the team to start attacking better. Get a goal back (65). Looks like it heading for a draw but a spectacular goal by Stuart Rudd on 87 minutes is the winner.

We then joined the traffic jam to get of the narrow roads of the estate, the locals peering through their windows at the strangers with scarfs from Manchester.

Game 15; Admission £8; Programme £2; byo coffee and cake.

Just a point for FC United

FC United 2-2 Radcliffe Borough att: 2149
Unibond League Division1 North

Goin to Gigg Lane : Pies & Flasks from biffadigital on Vimeo.
The tram was nearly empty on the way to Bury and only a few people about. Thought I'd got the fixture date wrong or the game had been called off. It's only when I got down to The Staff of Life near the ground that I saw a red scarf. Shakey start by FC and it was no surprise when Radcliffe went ahead. All FC could reply with were long high balls into the wind to hit their four tall defenders. Second half was a little brighter. FC came straight out and equalised after about a minutes. When they started passing to feet it looked promising. But it was not to be, Radcliffe went ahead again and after that it was chasing the game.

Last five minutes was the best bit of the match, pressure on for a winner. Strangest moment - for about five minutes watching a game in bright sunshine with the floodlights on. Black cloud turned up to deliver a shower.

Used Manchester's expensive and barely intergrated transport system again. This involves a sprint to swop to the Altrincham tram, a power walk and use of an mp3 player to relieve the tedium of travel.

Cost : Admission 7.50; programme 2.00; cup of tea 1.50 - dreadful; draw ticket 1.00 - never win; tram 2.70 - metro saver - cheaper than a return; bus 1.30 - No. 23 Stretford - Chorlton; text service to find the time of the next bus 25p and i thought it was a free service but apparently not. Game 13, £16.25. Not including snacks.

FC United last gasp draw

FC 2-2 Bamber Bridge; Unibond Div. 1 North att: 3348
A 90 minute trek to Gigg Lane to watch 90 minutes of football. A game of two evenly matched sides. Chances squandered, desperate clearances off the goal line, and rapid break away attacks. It could have gone either way. In fact it nearly went the Bamber Bridge way with an 89th minute goal making it 1-2. A last gasp equaliser in injury time salvaged a point.

I think a lot of us now are mentally preparing for a play-off place, that's coming 2,3,4 or even 5th. Something to look forward to then.

Stats : admission 7.50, programme 2.00, half time draw ticket 1.00, tram ticket 2.75, pie and Snicker bar (byo). Match No. 9 in 2008 (target is 40)

FC Lost 1-5 but still go thru

Nantwich Town might have beaten FC United 5-1 in the Unibond President's Cup on Monday but today they were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player. Don't know what to make of this. I'd rather FC United concentrate on winning a third successive promotion than having an extra game. So it's a semi-final away to Goole AFC on the 8th March.

FC United This Saturday

You couldn't possibly get more grass roots and co-operative than the forthcoming FC United v. Bamber Bridge fixture at Gigg Lane, Bury on Saturday 1st March. The kids (u-18's) have free admission, there are free fairtrade snacks provide by The Co-operative and other activities if you get there early to Youth United Day. As Big United are away at Fulham I'll be in attendance in the Main Stand. Bamber Bridge are currently third in the table and FC United seventh with three games in hand due to lots of bad pitch postponed fixtures.
Details

FC in minor cup win

FC United 2 Rossendale United 1
Unibond President's Cup 3rd Round, Gigg Lane, Bury attendance 1,554.
Basically the Unibond make you play in these extra cup competitons, and it has to be at your main ground and the money is split 50/50. So that means renting Bury's ground for a game that would normally attract 600 supporters on a Wednesday night in Radcliffe. Fortunately the FC faithful rallied to the call and the club did not incur a loss.

Not the most exciting game. A break away on 55 minutes and Rory Patterson chipped the keeper for the first goal. A second by Rudd on 81 minutes followed by some pressure by Rossendale. Their goal was an excellent shot by Eddington from outside the area which was greated with applause by everyone it was that good.

Best bits of the afternoon...FC reduced to 10 men for a while after a player was accidentally injured by the referee. Goes off with a nosebleed. The news that Havant & Waterlooville were leading twice at Anfield (I was getting Twitter texts from United on Fire and I bet he didn't know someone in a draughty stadium was appreciating them). Admission : 7.50, Programme 1.50, half time snack: Snicker bar.

So on to a quarter final clash away at Nantwich Town.
Trivia note : FC Cup runs - FA Cup (Trafford W, Fleetfood L), FA Trophy (Bradford Park Ave D,L), Challenge Cup (Alsager Town L), President's Cup (Bamber Bridge W, Rossendale W), Manchester FA Premier Cup (Droylsden W, Flixton W)...

FC United update

Whilst big United are off to Reading and then Riyadh I'll take the opportunity to catch up on FC United. A chance to see them play at Radcliffe Borough on Saturday 19th January, and then maybe Rossendale United at Gigg Lane on the following Saturday 26th January.

Sometimes Tv shedules work in your favour as The FA Cup 4th round against Spurs is on Sunday (BBC1, 1400h).

After three consecutive victories, and 13 points out of a possible 15, FC are back in with a chance of a promotion or a play-off place. After reading some recent whingeing in the letters pages of a local paper, and in some non-league blogs I'm determined more then ever to go. The stuff was very anti-FC and saying attendances are declining and other such defeatist talk. Could have been taken from the "The Bitter's Book of Sour Grapes" (now in its 31st year).

I've set myself a target of watching 40 football games this year, there is no logic to it, so if I can get to 7 matches during miserable January then I'm well on track.

Boycott Match Success

FC United Reserves 3-1 Club AZ (Astra Zeneca - yes the pharmaceutical corporation).

Welcome to Gorton M18 of endless municipal housing and little shops. Bits of it are used to film "Shameless". A brisk and dreary tramp to reach the stadium. It's a big field with lights, car park, a main stand shed of four terraces opposite a 2 storey club house. Admission free, but donations accepted in buckets, programme 1.50, half time draw tickets 1.00. It's hard to put a figure on the attendance, over 400 in the elements and another 100 or more with pints and potato hash in the two bars.

This is the bed rock of FC United support - solid Manc, no silly hats (apart from one bloke in a Mexican style but he was fat enough to carry it off) and plenty of scarves. The football is young players on muddy grass with plenty of high balls and lots of shouting.

So was the boycott of the first team game a success. I'd say yes as only 297 turned out at Curzon Ashton, at least a 1,000 down on what the fixture would have atrracted. Plus the first team won 0-2 which is a bonus.

The journey home wasn't too good. Didn't mind the bus being 10 minutes late or it taking a wrong turn to wind around Fallowfield to get back on route. It was listening to the game at West Ham on earphones. A missed penalty, and then sunk by two quick goals. Just when football fortunes smile they can be taken away so quickly.

Going to a Boycott Match

Usually boycott means not doing some action, but to be effective a boycott has to be part of wider political action. There is to be a boycott of the FC United first team fixture because it's been moved as some tin-pot one camera company wants to broadcast it on the internet.

So this weekend whilst big United are away at the Boleyn Ground for a 1500h kick off I hope to be watching FC United Reserves take on Club AZ. Can't believe I'm wishing to see a Cheshire Building Society Cheshire Football League Division 2 game. Not been this low down the pyramid. Club AZ are in for a surprise, don't think they get big gates at the Mulberrys Sports Centre behind Matthews Garden Centre outside Alderley Edge on the A34..Fortunately I don't have to travel that far as its a FC ressies home game with a direct bus from rainy Chorlton to rainy Gorton. It's all weather permitting though and more rain is forecast.
Cheshire League.

FC leave it late to win

FC v. Rossendale (at Radcliffe) from biffadigital on Vimeo.
Get out the tram station not sure which way to go. Neither does the bloke from Urmston who's looking as puzzled as me. It's left and right somewhere...but we pick up a small group on the way to the game. But they stop off at a pub....it can't be far now. After the longest half mile we get to the ground behind some new build houses.

An early goal from Rory Patterson settles the game down. But chances are few. There is no second goal. I video the chippy hut at half time, about fifty people in the line and only three people serving. Glad I took my own pie. Rossendale might be at the bottom end of the table put they keep pushing the ball around well. Their equaliser comes. It's heading for a draw but some scrappy play gives us a winner. Some scrappy camera work and you can spot it on the video. The last five minutes are played out with time wasting. Get home at 1830h. There were a few Exeter City fans on the tram. They've got a long journey home, and they lost at Bury 1-0. It's a funny old business being a footie fan.

Stats : FC United 2 Rossendale United 1, att: 1,744. Admission £7.50, programme £2, pie (byo) £1.60, tram ticket £2.70

What Saturday Brings

Tuesday it was a seat in the Stretford End on W11, Row 8. Today I'll be standing in the The Inn2Gether Stadium, M26 3PE. That's it in the picture. FC United v. Rossendale United - and a need for a win and three points if we're going to make the play-offs. I think they have play-offs in the Unibond.

No hangover, weather looking favourable. Scarf, pie, flask, programme and tram ticket. At some point in the day my mind will think of the bloated F.A. board on suits and expenses. The one's who hired McClaren and then fired him. The one's who talk root and branch reform. It's another world.

A Dampner of the United Front

FC United v. Bradford PA - penalty from biffadigital on Vimeo.
Went up to Gigg Lane, Bury. My mate Colin was going to text me the scores from the Reebock. I only received one - that was it, beaten by Bolton Wanderers 1-0. It was cold up in Bury, needed an extra layer of clothing and a flask. Didn't bring either. Good game, pity about the result. Stats : FC United 3-4 Bradford Park Avenue, attendance 2,235, brought our own mushroom and nut pie for half-time.

But that's football. Both your teams collect nil points. It's why winning tastes sweet and you forget these low points.

FC score 5 against Bamber Bridge

A power cut across north Manchester, Salford and even at the Reebock in Bolton delayed the start by half an hour. But when you're in the ranks of the armchair army you find other distractions. This is the President's Cup, so it shouldn't rate as a priority when your chasing promotion at No.2 in the league. But a win is a win especially when it's against Bamber Bridge who are chasing a promotion place as well. Four goals in the first half, and one in the second. The result that will count is in 18 days time when FC United visit the Irongate Ground to play Bamber Bridge in the league.

Oh the FCUM-TV visual radio, believe me that's what it is a hybrid new media is improving all the time. Better captions, faster commentary but keeping the jokes and references to pies.

Burns Fires FC Flame

"Had it not been for Robbie Fowler, FC United’s new signing Aaron Burns could have been turning out for Cardiff City..." Read more in the NonLeaguePaper about a former Manchester United Reserves player..here

FC beat a Conference side

Let's not get too giddy this was the Manchester Premier Cup 1st round. But let's enjoy the victory over Blue Square Premier side Droylsden - a whole three divisions above FC United. Droylsden are not doing to well so far this season with only 5 points from 17 games.

Now if only all radio could be like this by having the current score on display. It means you can watch the Kiev v. United match and keep up to date with events on the other side the city.

FC v. Wakefield Video

Untitled on Vimeo.
Managed to capture both of FC United's goals on video. Both came from free kicks, both scored by Chris Baguley, who's not had many games this season. The Unibond is a lot tougher league than the two previous years in the North West Counties. I don't think we'll see any 7 nil romps this year, and it was good just to get the three points off a strong side. I realised why I'd never heard of Wakefield before, that's because they used to be called Emley.... once lost 2-1 to West Ham United in the FA Cup..Crowd down to 1,955. I put down to the England v. Estonia match on the BBC.

Nipped out for the theatre

Taken with the picture based an old style United programme. It's for a play by MaD Theatre Company, in association with FC United of Manchester, called She’s Just Nipped Out for Fags. It's on 23rd, 24th, 25th January at The Met in Bury.
FC United Press release
The Met - details.

Tickets also on sale at FC United home games. Great idea. Could never see the big United doing anything so positive. Oh yes I remember their involvement in The Red Cinema, a multiplex over the river from Old Trafford. But that never amounted to much and now amounts to nothing.

Is it Saturday

Best item in the local freesheet was the story of this chap making another model in matchsticks of Old Trafford. Peter Kenyon bought the last one for £3000 - not a shrewd purchase because he signed up to the Russian gold soon after. Oh, they still sing his name in the Stretford End but not in a nice way. Maybe we'll sing it tomorrow in the big game.

England get beaten 3-0 by the USA, and here is me thinking they could possibly win. FC United only get a 1-1 draw with Woodley Sports. So what I need now is a thumping good 1-0 win over Chelsea tomorrow to brighten up the weekend. At least it didn't rain today.

Oh what next?

At least we got three points at Everton. Is the only activity in the goal area from corners? Where are the strikers? The bloke who is going to grab 29 goals in season...Sporting Lisbon away, and Chelsea at home coming up it's not going to be a goal fest. Only saw the highlights but it doesn't look a bundle of silver cups are on the way..

FC United didn't win at Fleetwood in the FA Cup - lost 2-1, attendance 3112. Still got the more realistic FA Trophy to look forward to, Saturday 6th October with Bradford Park Avenue away. Met Andy Walsh from FC United the other day. He was at a Supporters Direct stall at a conference I attended. Straight talking, friendly and gives you that facts and figures. None of that business jargon or political rhetoric. There was also Mike from AFC Wimbledon and he was the same. You'd be happy to spend an hour shooting the breeze with these two down the pub.

Now can England Women get through the group stages on Monday, think they'll need Germany to beat Japan to help them. Unfortunately at work but I might take in the DAB radio to listen to the coverage on BBC Five Live Extra. It's a bit bulky but I'll get away with it as I'm in charge tomorrow. Loathed to buy a new portable until the future of digital radio gets sorted out. DAB+, DRM or whatever is going to be around for the next ten years.

FC United Book

No ordinary book about FC United, it's not even been made. For £18.78 you buy a page and your text and photo is on it. User driven content as a fundraiser, all money goes to the development fund to build a new ground. What a good idea. A draw will determine which page your particular entry will be on, however it will be a one off with no copies. More.
Put me down for a page, and put the scarfs on, get the camera....

FC United Video

FA Cup FC United first ever match
Took a while to encode this. Great day out Chorlton Five go to Altrincham on the tram. Only caught the penalty on the video but got the atmosphere. Trafford 2-5 FC United

FA Cup Tram Trip

Went off to Altrincham on a damp Sunday afternoon. It's FC United with their first ever FA Cup match and it's against the rivals Trafford FC. Two up in about 15 minutes, turns to 2-2. A penalty award for handball puts FC United ahead before half time. The final score is a 5-2 win though the play was a lot closer than the score records. Back home to Stretford on the tram, a good day out for the five of us. FC United now have to travel to Fleetwood Town away on September 15th. Attendance 2238.

Flixton whom we watched in the earlier round won 1-0 yesterday. A 90th minute goal over Salford City.

Road to Wembley

So going to watch United v. Sunderland on Saturday, and then the FA Cup on Sunday absolutely marvelous. The road to Wembley, and I've actually been at an early round game when a dozen fans were singing that. Come to think of it was at Trafford FC in August 1999 and MUTV cameras were at the game - the year Manchester United were pressured to go to Brazil for a FIFA World Club tv tournament. Well FC United are up for the cup - you can download cut out FA Cups for the event. Link.

Another Saturday Afternoon

Should have gone to see FC United, but shopping got in the way, and the trams to Bury are not operational due to track repairs. Should have gone, because after two defeats winning ways returned.

UniBond League First Division North
FC United of Manchester 6 - 0 Bridlington Town 0
Patterson 16, 23, 64, 75
Hargreaves 83
Taylor 89 [P]

The online radio from FCUM.TV didn't work again. Let's hope the video highlights are uploaded. Now planning to go to the FA Cup game against Trafford on Sunday 2nd September, at Altrincham FC Moss Lane ground.

FC United Vote For Prices

Received an email from FC United of Manchester asking for my vote, as a member I have one like everybody else. Do I want a price increase of 50p on adult pay on the gate prices? Do I want season ticket prices to be frozen for another year? More concerning
"Unibond League Rule 7.7 Vote:
Yes - wear the league sponsor patches for season 2007-2008 on the basis that, should our members wish, we will continue to make our position clear in future dealings with the league.
No - refuse to wear the patches and accept any punishments that the league deem appropriate." ...that is a club is forced to wear some corporate logo or get fined. Sounds like a little thing, but personally I hate logos over everything. It ends up like a F1 driver, risk your life and be a walking billboard.

I'll await the outcome. Democratic football - it would change the game.

Not missing

Usually miss the football over the summer, but not this year, glad of the rest of week in week out. For the next season I'm going to keep track of how expensive is it to watch football, but maybe it's value for money - following my two Manchester teams at home, the occasional other match, the tv, pub, and the radio is free. Got an interest in Genoa CFC whose fortunes are on the up - back in Serie A after 12 years.

FC United summer friendlies...just keeping track...all away fixtures.

Sat 14th July Studley FC (A) - Jimmy Davis Memorial Cup
Sat 21st July Kidderminster Harriers (A)
Sun 22nd July Blackpool Mechanics (A)
Tue 31st July Trafford FC (A)
Sat 4th August AFC Wimbledon (A) - Direct Supports Cup
Sat 11th August Ashton United (A)

FC Unibond 2007/8

"Since the North West Counties League began in 1982, no club has won all four League competitions in one season, and FC United’s victory sees them leave the League with the record breaking haul of the First Division Championship, Reserve Division Championship, League Challenge Cup and Reserve Division Cup for their efforts during the 2006-07 season."
- see Issue 3 of North West Side Stories

Now onto the new Unibond League restructure for 2007-08. FC are in Division 1 Northern Section : Bamber Bridge, Bradford Park Avenue, Bridlington Town, Chorley, Clitheroe, Curzon Ashton, Durham City, FC United of Manchester, Harrogate Railway, Lancaster City, Mossley, Newcastle Blue Star, Ossett Albion, Radcliffe Borough, Rossendale United, Skelmersdale United, Wakefield, Woodley Sports...
UPDATE : Garforth Town added

Looks like the derby is Radcliffe Borough. Not seen any of these teams before.

FC Champions

"FC United were crowned champions of North West Counties Division One after a wonderful team display saw them demolish Atherton Laburnum Rovers 7-1 in front of 2,249 supporters at Gigg Lane." Unibond Northern Premier League Division 1 next season - 4 more promotions and it's the bottom rung of the Football League. A few games still to play including a cup final....also a new web address (URL) - http://fcumfiles.co.uk

Click here to watch 'FC-United-Champs-2007'
Fantastic, a whole new set of teams to see next year, plus an entry to the FA Cup and the FA Trophy.

Shirt Elections

FC United are giving members the opportunity to choose next seasons shirt. 147 entries have been whittled down to 4. One member one vote, no sponsors name on the shirt. I've gone for shirt 4 - not that I've ever bought a football shirt.

Unibond #2

The regular after match celebration at Gigg Lane, crowd 3602. Been checking the Northern Premier League or the Unibond as everyone calls it. Some tough teams and bigger distances to travel. No idea who'll the opposition will be until the two First Divisions are sorted - east-west split, north-south split? Local derby could be Radcliffe Borough. Teams from all over the north - Colwyn Bay, Shepshed Dynamo, Woodley Sports, Bridlington...Is another promotion possible? Yes, noted that Cammell Laird have done well in their first year after coming up from the NW Counties. Higher attendances next season? One would hope so...

We're going to the Unibond

Already promoted before this game, a few more points wins the title. Next year the Unibond Division 1 - about to be reorganized into two sections based on geography. A good day out in Bury.

Margentina

Always have to be wary of any story on April one...FC United in blue, light blue even worse. Amusing though. Fans might start singing "Margentina, Margentina"