Band camp positive over Mossley’s squad depth

MOSSLEY joint-boss Peter Band is hoping for a positive start to 2016 now his squad is almost back to full strength.

A host of suspensions and injuries have hampered the Lilywhites’ league progress in recent weeks. But they have cleared up and the team was impressive in a 1-1 draw at Droylsden on Monday.

The only definite absentee ahead of Saturday’s home clash against struggling Ossett Town is new signing Callum Warburton. Since making a 25-minute debut appearance following a move from New Mills, midfielder Warburton has been involved in a car accident and is out of contention.

Despite that blow, Band is looking forward with renewed confidence: “Our squad is up to around 20 in numbers and that’s good from a competition point of view. It’s up to the lads who are selected to perform.

“We did well at Droylsden. The whole team showed fighting spirit again. Some of that has been missing lately.”

Mossley, who are currently 10th in the table, need a victory to help thrust them back into the play-off chasing pack.

Ossett Town have had a miserable season so far, having won just four times. Earlier in the season, a last-minute penalty miss from Mossley’s Mitchell Bryant meant the reverse fixture in Yorkshire ended 2-2.


CHADDERTON have been inactive for a fortnight due to the wet weather. They travel to fellow North-West Counties League First Division mid-table outfit Northwich Manchester Villa tomorrow, hoping to build on a run of back-to-back wins leading up to Christmas.