FC United take a brief break from league play on Thursday to celebrate a milestone anniversary as they travel to face Leek CSOB. What’s the significance of this game? Let me tell you a little story…

On August 13th, 2005, the history of FC United officially began as they played their first ever league game. The opponent? Leek CSOB, as the newly formed Rebels made the trip.

10 years later and here we are again, celebrating the milestone at the same place it all began.

So, with that little bit of history out of the way, who are Leek CSOB?

The Old Boys, founded in 1945, spent the first 39 years of their existence in the Leek Minor League, winning the championship of the Leek & Moorland League in 1962 along with a number of local cups.

The Old Boys moved up in competition, though, in 1984 when they became founding members of the Staffordshire Senior League. They won the championship of the league, which was now known as the Midland League, in 1996, which gained them entrance to the North West Counties Football League Division Two. Two years after their promotion, they were again promoted to Division One before being relegated again three years later.

After the 2014 season, in which they finished 15th in the North West Counties Football League Division One (the old Division Two), they resigned from the league and have since re-established themselves in the Staffordshire Senior League where they still compete today.

So what about the stadium? This anniversary trip won’t be exactly like it was ten years ago, as Leek CSOB have moved into their own stadium for the first time in history, after groundsharing with Leek Town FC. They now play at John Pointon Sports and Recreation Facility with a three year lease.

While I could not find a capacity for their ground, admission to all Leek CSOB games is free of charge.

Have FC United ever played here? This will be our first visit to Pointon Park, so fun times should be had by all!

How have Leek CSOB performed this season? Are they looking like they are on good form? League play hasn’t started yet for the Old Boys, but they have won seven of eight friendlies, including a 2-0 win against rivals Leek Town FC. However, their last time out ended their seven game unbeaten streak as Kidsgrove Athletic came away with a 5-2 win last Tuesday.

So what should happen tomorrow? This will be an interesting fixture as I’m sure the manager will give a run out to some of the bench and younger players. It doesn’t make sense to trot out the first team with League play having begun and, especially, after playing Saturday and Tuesday with another tough game set for next Saturday. I expect to see a good dose of players in this game and this is a perfect chance to allow some players to get a good run out.

However, I still expect to see a rousing win for our boys against a team that should be overmatched.

Whatever the result, though, it’s the occasion that really matters in this game. This is the 10th anniversary of a very special event for all of us in the FCUM family and we should celebrate it according.