Rebels relishing top of the table test

FC United of Manchester manager Karl Marginson reckons his side is relishing the chance to test themselves against league leaders North Ferriby United in Sunday's Evo-Stik Northern Premier League first versus third clash at Stalybridge's Bower Fold.

FCUM, ten points behind North Ferriby but with four games in hand, know a win would be a massive boost with just two months of the season to go. United are on a run of nine consecutive league victories but Marginson believes their Humberside rivals will provide the sternest test possible having won seven of their last eight away matches in the league.

Marginson, pictured, will be without influential midfielders Jerome Wright and Matthew Tierney who miss out through injury and suspension respectively.

He said: "North Ferriby are top of the league for a reason and we won't be taking them lightly. People can talk all they want about games in hand – but they don't matter, only points do. We're hoping for a big crowd behind us to help us to another good result as we try to maintain our run of good form at a crucial stage of the season."

"Our supporters are rightly looking forward to the game given that we are playing the league leaders, and so they should be given the brilliant run we've been on. We've had a full week to prepare and some good training sessions behind us so we should get to the game in the best shape possible."

With Wright and Tierney both out, Marginson will be forced to use the full depth of his squad. Astley Mulholland, Rhodri Giggs and recent signing Matthew Walwyn will all be hoping to start in the left wing berth and Dave Birch is also hoping to make the starting eleven.

Marginson added: "It's going to be a great occasion as first takes on third in the league and I can't wait for the game to start. Hopefully those supporters who make the trip to Bower Fold will be in for a treat."