The Red Rebels came from a goal down to clinch a 4-1 play-off final win over Skelmersdale United. The result secures Northern Premier League football for a club started by disillusioned United fans less than three years ago.

United's second-placed finish in the league gave them home advantage for all play-off matches - and 3,258 fans were at Gigg Lane to witness the men in red win another promotion. The attendance looks more impressive with game clashing days with ‘Big United's' early-afternoon kick-off.

Skelmersdale got off to a great start with the Merseysiders taking the lead after ten minutes - but goals from Nicky Platt, David Chadwick, Rory Patterson and Chris Baguley secured a superb comeback for United.

FC can now look forward to Northern Premier League football. That's just one league below the Conference North, three below the Football League and six below the Premier League. The win will increase the club's exposure and is a superb advert for fan-owned football being played and watched in the true spirit of the game.

Karl Marginson's men can now look forward to games against the likes of Hucknall Town, Leigh RMI, Hednesford Town and Marine. They are playing at the same level of the football pyramid as some well-known and long-established clubs like Gloucester City, Merthyr Tydfil, Margate and Maidstone United.

Here's to more success for MUFC and FCUM - two clubs, one soul.

You'll hear more about FC's promotion and progress from our new columnist Haysey in the coming days, weeks and months! Congratulations to all involved with FC United.

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