Big Match Review - Rochdale 2 FC United 3

Rochdale 2-3 FC United of Manchester

Friday November 5, Spotland, (Att: 7,048)

Michael Norton's controversial winner deep into injury time earned FC United of Manchester a shock FA Cup victory over League One Rochdale.

The match exploded into life in the second half, by which stage the Northern Premier League side were already 1-0 up.

Neat approach play ended with Jerome Wright slipping the ball through for Nicky Platt to clip the ball over the advancing Josh Lillis three minutes before the interval.

That lead was then doubled soon after the restart when good play down the left resulted in the ball being played back for Jake Cotterill to thunder a drive into the top corner from 25 yards.

It seemed to sting Keith Hill's men into life and they hit back within five minutes as Anthony Elding glanced a header in from Brian Barry-Murphy's free kick.

That vulnerability from dead balls cost FC United again with 12 minutes left as Craig Dawson rose highest from a corner to power a header in for Dale's leveller.

Just as things were heading for a replay at Gigg Lane though, the Non League outfit snatched a winner.

After a through-ball had been collected by Lillis, he seemed to temporarily lose control of the ball and Norton pounced to take the ball away from the keeper and roll it in.

The Spotland faithful were outraged as the 3,000 visiting supporters were sent into ecstasy.

It saw FC United of Manchester through to the second round for the first time in their history. Rochdale must now focus on survival in League One.

Big Match Preview

Rochdale vs. FC United of Manchester

Friday November 5, 19:45, Spotland

You can expect fireworks both on and off the pitch this Guy Fawkes Night as the FA Cup proper kicks off with a tasty looking local affair involving Rochdale and FC United of Manchester.

It pits the Non League club borne out of the frustration of disenchanted Manchester United supporters against one of the many smaller Football League outfits in the North West.

With plenty of away supporters from the well-supported club expected to descend on Spotland, an electric atmosphere is expected as they seek to claim a famous scalp.

This is actually the first time that FCUM, who were only formed in 2005, have made it through to the First Round of the Cup.

On their path they've seen off the likes of Radcliffe Borough, Gainsborough, Norton & Stockton, and then more than 3,000 saw them defeat Conference side Barrow to earn their trip to Dale.

They currently play in the Northern Premier Division, where they lie in mid table in 15th position. It's been an inconsistent season for Karl Marginson's men so far though - with six wins and six defeats from their 12 matches.

Key men for the Red Rebels if they're to cause an upset include top scorer Mike Norton, who has bagged 12 goals to date.

Experienced former Football League striker Glynn Hurst - who played for Dale's local rivals Bury - is another to watch with five goals in eight appearances this term.

Will Rochdale boss Keith Hill still be smiling come full time tomorrow?

For their opponents, Friday evening's game will represent a rare occasion this season when they go into the match as firm favourites.

Currently enjoying life in League One for the first time in over 30 years, Keith Hill's men have made a surprisingly encouraging start to life in the third tier.

They currently sit in mid-table and are just three points off the play off positions. Along the way too, they have achieved some notable scalps - beating highly tipped duo Southampton and Huddersfield.

After a poor end to last season's promotion campaign and a difficult summer in the transfer market, Hill will be pleased with his team's progress as they look to consolidate in League One.

A switch in tactics has been key to Dale's season so far - and has brought the best out of long-serving captain Gary Jones, currently the team's top scorer with seven to his name.

Striker Chris O'Grady has also chipped in with five and is a difficult prospect for opposition defences.

With the television cameras in attendance, obviously some people are anticipating a potential upset as well as an entertaining encounter.

However, with Dale comfortable in their division, a Cup run would be a welcome addition to their season and I expect home advantage and the four divisions difference to see them through.

Nobes' Prediction: Rochdale 3 FC United of Manchester 1