THE FC UNITED message has spread as wide as the far east with the club’s China branch set to hold its first meeting on Saturday.

Rentao Meng and Fan Ming, both members of the fan-owned Evo-Stik Premier club, have organised the meeting in Hangzhou City.

Rentao said: “The meeting won’t have a formal agenda but the main purpose is to meet some FC United China branch members and we expect about 10 people to come.

“We’ll probably discuss how the branch can publicise the concept of the club and also provide funds to help its community development.”

Fan Ming is a prolific tweeter and will share memories of last year’s visit to Manchester, when he took in several FC games and visited the club offices.

Karl Marginson’s men are four points clear in the Evo-Stik Premier and visit Halesowen Town tomorrow afternoon.

Second-placed ASHTON UNITED are away to King’s Lynn while sixth-placed CURZON ASHTON host Buxton. Second-bottom TRAFFORD are at home to Stamford.

Darlington’s win on Wednesday sent them above SALFORD CITY on goal difference at the top of the Evo-Stik North.

The Ammies visit second-bottom New Mills tomorrow while Darlington must host a NORTHWICH VICTORIA side which is third.

DROYLSDEN and MOSSLEY are among three teams who are joint-seventh. Droylsden are at Burscough while Mossley visit Brighouse Town.

Fourth-bottom RADCLIFFE BOROUGH are away to Scarborough Athletic.