Saints' final countdown

VICTORIA STADIUM HERE WE COME . . . the Oldham St Anne's 'A' squad

EXPERIENCE could be key when Oldham St Anne's 'A' make a bid for silverware in what looks set to be a thrilling North-West Men's League Trophy final.

Coach Paul Green, who has been ably assisted by Rick Badby and Gaz Ainsworth, leads his side into a final against a crack Wigan St Cuthbert's side unbeaten all season in Division Three of the North-West Men's League.

The two sides met earlier this season, with the Wigan outfit edging it 26-22.

But with the likes of former professionals Chris Clarke, Mick Fogerty and Chris Carter on board for Saints, there is no reason why the Higginshaw Road club can't rise to the occasion in a final being played out at Warrington's Victoria Stadium on Saturday, September 2 (1pm kick-off).

Four coaches are setting off from the club, returning in time to take in the first team's home match against Gateshead Storm which has been pushed back to kick off at 3.30pm.

But the success to date of reaching the final would not have been possible had it not been for a call made to Green by first-team joint coach Sean Whitehead.

"Sean had a word with me before the season and said that if they didn't get someone in as coach then there would not be a second team at all," Green said.

"I have been associated with St Anne's for so long, that I could not let that happen.

"The club is in a good place right now and we are hoping to make it a really positive day."