On day I’ll see a match at local side Golcar. Snow wiped out last weekend’s fixtures and, inevitably, the thaw wipes out Golcar’s efforts to go top of the Northern Counties East tonite. Luckily, it’s called early and I can utilise Plan B: FC United v Gainsborough Trinity in the Northern Premier. Nevermind that I’ve to cross the Pennines through fog. The satnav does its job and I see the floodlights shining through the mist. (Is ‘mist’ the same as ‘fog’? One day I’ll look into this.
I’ve eschewed the offer of the car park at a fiver, but, incredibly, someone’s left a space about 50 metres past the ground. Given the lines of cars either side of the carriageway, someone must have left recently, as in, the last couple of minutes. I’m in, and on my way. Seems I’m entering behind the main stand, emblazoned with ‘FC United of Manchester’. A small building near the entrance proclaims it’s Barrow’s training facilities (presumably the pitches outside the stadium). I’d read Barrow train in Manchester (to attract players, Barrow being a trek) but didn’t know it was here, in Moston (a suburb I’d never heard of till this evening).
There didn’t seem to be any turnstiles though. How DO folk get in? I have a nose in the club shop and buy a programme, which has the cover design of old Manchester United programmes. The ones that used to show the changing attire of the time. (Sadly, FC United just have their badge, rather than some oik in jeans halfway down his backside). Club shirts are similarly based around a Manchester United design, including the half yellow and green shirts. Honestly, it’s easy to go off a team before you’ve seen them.
The turnstiles are on the corner, payment by cash or card. It’s like the good old days! I’m in and have a nose through the fog/mist/grey stuff. There’s roofs covering all 4 sides but there’s only fans on 2 of them. The Main Stand has a block or so at either end where the seats haven’t been filled in (but could be) while behind the goal at this end is a sizeable terrace. I’d be surprised if there’s another terrace in this country beyond Carlisle’s that’s any bigger. Plus the rake is quite steep, so if they got a crowd, you’d still be able to see.
The other two stands have high roofs but no terracing, just flat standing, and it’s closed off. Behind the far goal there looks to be some work starting. Maybe they’re putting another terrace in? The other side, running down the byeline, reminds me of Curzon Ashton, with its oddly high roof. Still, it helps blend in with the other roof heights, and allows for an excellent show of banners, including a massive scarf, in the colours of (Manchester) United. Another banner in the home end depicts the ‘Munich clock’. Not that they’re obsessed.
FC’s foundation is well documented, but I learn something new from the programme: tonite’s visitor’s, Gainsborough Trinity, were Manchester United’s first opponents (after their name change from Newton Heath in 1902). Fancy that! The teams are level on points, bottom half, with Trinity having a staggering 6 games in hand, due to successful cup runs. I stand high up the terrace, and, not going too far in, imagine there’s quite a crowd right behind the goal, due to the volume of the singing. Say what you like about FC, their fans have quite the musical repertoire and it makes for an enjoyable opening 20 minutes. In particular, ‘Dirty Old Town’ (all the words, not just the chorus) at the start of each half, with the chorus changed to ‘we’ve got our own ground, we’ve got our own ground’ and ‘I’m a believer’. ‘I’m in love…oooo-oooo’. No, I can’t do it justice in writing. You’ll just have to hear those falsetto voices!
Still, I’m pulling for Trinity. FC are playing some lovely football (ie, tiki-taka) and dominate possession, but it only takes one expertly delivered free kick and a header is smashed into the home net. Thank goodness it’s at this end. As the half develops, the crowd quietens and I go for a wander, to try out the Main Stand. I quite like the design, with a couple of terraced paddocks below the seating. Just like stands of yore. I grab a beer under the stand and go and sit in the back row, near the halfway line. Splendid view, fog notwithstanding.
Half-time, I spot others walking further up the stand. Is this not for the media and execs? Turns out the main social club is above the seats, with a perfect view of the pitch. Like Dulwich Hamlet, though the inside is more cheerless portacabin (whereas the club shop displayed all the pennants from teams they’ve faced over the years). It was really bright too, more IKEA than cosy pub. Still, can’t knock its size, and it was lovely and warm.
2nd half, I went and stood behind the goal again, towards the far side. Given we couldn’t see the far end, I’m not sure why I did this. I guess I was enjoying not knowing what was going on if Trinity were on the attack. I could see the players, but not the ball. Often, I’d be looking for the ball at the far end as FC broke the other way, on the halfway line. Listening to the odd wag, I wasn’t the only one finding it fun. However, FC were taking control and most of the match was in this half now.
A failure to clear allowed the ball to be played to erstwhile veteran sniffer ALF (Adam Le Fondre) who buried it with his old aplomb. You never lose it. Or maybe you do. Minutes later, FC are awarded a penalty. Who better than a former Premiership player to put you ahead / blast it straight at the keeper (delete as applicable). Without giving away what happened, the game finishes one-all. It’s been a treat, despite being reminded of Manchester United at every turn.
The Damage:
£13 ent
£3 prog
£4.50 Bootleg American IPA (pint of). Pretty tasteless as IPAs go.
= £20.50
*the crowd of 1,113 was FCUM’s lowest league crowd of the season, over 500 down on their average.
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