Hopper set for Mossley bow

FOOTBALL:

MOSSLEY player-manager Steve Halford is set to hand former Athletic youth team midfielder Ryan Hopper his debut in tomorrow’s Evo-Stik League Division One North trip to Bamber Bridge.

The 19-year-old, released by Accrington Stanley in November following a loan at Droylsden, started as a junior at Manchester United before stints at Blackburn and Athletic.

Halford, who is without Jay Gorton and injured pair Sam Madeley and Sam Hind, said: “Ryan is not one for the future, he is ready now and will probably feature tomorrow.

“I will possibly sign one or two more in the coming days. Some deals are quite close to completion.”

Halford, whose side is one point clear at the top of the table, expects a tough test against mid-table Bamber Bridge.



CHADDERTON will be confident of victory at home to Holker Old Boys in Vodkat North-West Counties League Division One.

While Paul Buckley’s side, who are ninth, look to climb a couple of places, the visitors have taken just 12 points from a dozen games this term.



OLDHAM Boro head to Irlam in NWCL Division One. Eighth-placed Boro can climb as high as fifth if they pick up maximum points and other results go their way.

And manager Tony Mills will have high hopes against a team who are fourth from bottom.