Monday 30 August 2010

Bank holiday blues for FC

FC Utd went down 1-0 to a determined Ashton Utd side in front of a crowd of 1069 at Hurst Cross.

The presence of FC legend Steve Torpey on the bench couldn't inspire the reds, who lacked fluency after making four changes to the side that beat Retford 5-1 on Saturday.

A well marshalled Ashton defence handled everything FC could throw at them, and the only goal of the game came just before half time on 44 minutes with a good finish from Lee Steele.

The second half saw an onslaught from FC, with Ashton looking dangerous on the break, however a combination of too many long balls and good defending saw chances kept to a minimum.

Five minutes of added time gave one last hope for the FC faithful, but even with centre half Martin Parker upfront one last chance didn't come and Ashton held on for victory.

Sunday 29 August 2010

Carlos Tevez

In the words of the bitters: 'Fergie Fergie sign him up.'

http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/6717930/

Arf!

3 out of 3 for FC!

Top of the table after three games, FC Utd travel to Ashton Utd tomorrow for a bank holiday clash.

Saturday saw arguably FC's best home performance for in recent times with a 5-1 demolition of Retford Utd. The football was a joy to watch and to cap a perfect day this was followed up by a 3-0 win for MUFC vs West Ham in the late kick off.

Ashton currently lie in third place after two wins and a draw so should prove to be the toughest test so far for Marginson's red and white army. Team selection will prove tough for the FC boss especially upfront with Margy having to decide whether to stick with Carlos Roca or start with 37 year old Colin Little who scored twice after coming on from the bench on Saturday.

Admission is £8 adults, £5 concessions, with children under 14 free with each paying adult. Trains are 27 and 57 mins past each hour from Victoria, with the return times at 6.05pm, 6.35pm then five past every hour until 10.05pm. Additional trains run at 11.09pm and 11.40pm for those who like a drink or two.

Ashton tip: The burger van behind the goal charges half price during the last 30 minutes of the game. Enjoy!

Wednesday 25 August 2010

Gideon Conn - Album Launch

Gideon Conn is a Manchester legend, Don't believe me? Then get to Band on the Wall in Manchester on Thursday night (26th August) for the launch night for his debut album 'New Bop Sounds.'

I have watched Gideon Conn in numerous venues across Manchester, from Urban Outfitters on Market St to the Kings Arms on Bloom St, and it's safe to say that every gig has it's own unique feel to it. After a long wait the twelve track album has now finally been released.

The singer-songwriter is usually joined on stage by a band of upto six members, although his solo acoustic gigs are equally entertaining. He is also an artist and sells his artwork through his myspace page (link below).

Tickets available priced £10 from ticketline.co.uk or from the venue.

Check out myspace.com/gideonconn or youtube.com/newbopsounds for videos and selected tracks.

A range of clothing, as well as the new album, are available at yesnomaybe.co.uk.

Gideon Conn fact: Myself and a friend were the first two people to buy a Gideon Conn Trucker cap when they went on sale. Sad but true!

Tuesday 24 August 2010

FC Utd vs Nantwich Preview

After a 2-0 win at Marine on Sunday, FC Utd will be hoping to start their home campaign in similar fashion with a win over Nantwich at Gigg Lane on Wednesday night. Nantwich's league campaign started off on Saturday with a 2-1 defeat at home to Worksop, so they are still looking for their first win of the season.

Prolific striker Mike Norton will be making his home debut in what looks a promising strike partnership with Ben Deegan, with new additions to the back four hoping to make FC more solid at the back, after a disappointing campaign last year saw 65 goals conceded and a 13th place finish.

The corresponding fixture last year saw FC rout Nantwich 4-0 in arguably the best home league performance of the season, although this was played at Hyde Uniteds ground rather than Gigg Lane.

As it's a midweek game the main standers are likely to be invaded by the jesters from the MRE, however first home game of the season should make for a cracking atmosphere, even with every song being sung at 100mph.

Admission is £8 adults, £5 concessions, £2 kids, with memberships and season tickets also on sale at the ground.

Get on it!

Welcome!

Welcome to my Manchester Sport blog. The aim of this blog will be to provide news stories and opinions on the sporting scene in and around Greater Manchester, with the main focus on Salford RLFC, FC United of Manchester, Lancashire Cricket and Manchester Phoenix Ice Hockey.

The odd gig preview/review is also likely to appear on these pages from up and coming mainly unsigned Manchester artists.

Thanks for visiting.