Home tie for town team

OLDHAM Schools under-15s have been handed a plum home draw against Manchester in the preliminary round of the North West Alder-Owen Trophy.

The town team should be strong enough to overcome their opponents and book a first-round tie against either Salford or Preston.

Draw is: Salford or Preston v Oldham or Manchester; West Lancashire v Bury; Blackburn v Mid-Cheshire; Warrington v The Wirral; Macclesfield v Stockport; Knowsley v Bolton; Tameside v Sefton.

Meanwhile, Oldham under-14s, who were beaten 1-0 by Liverpool in the North West Woodward Cup, are counting down to their Talbot Cup tie at home to Tameside in the New Year.

Looking ahead to the weekend, the under-15s go to Bolton for only their second league fixture of the season (kick-off 10.30am).

They won their first game, 3-2 against Macclesfield, way back in September.

Oldham under-14s, who have suffered mixed fortunes this season with two wins and two defeats, entertain Bolton at a venue to be confirmed (10.30am).