Non-League Preview

OLDHAM Town will bid to cause another upset tomorrow when they entertain Rossendale United in the preliminary round of the FA Cup.

In the five seasons since Tony Mills took charge at the Whitebank Stadium, Town have beaten 15 teams from higher divisions in various cup competitions.

Mills believes his side can defeat opponents from the UniBond League, first division north, which is two divisions higher in the non-league pyramid.

He said: “I have watched them play twice and, to be honest, I have been disappointed by the standard of football in both games.

“They won’t like playing at our ground and I am sure we will give them a run for their money.”

Town have already beaten Ashton Athletic, from a division higher, in the extra preliminary round.

They have won their first three league and cup fixtures and Mills has a full-strength squad from which to select his team.




MOSSLEY will be aiming to avoid an FA Cup upset at home to Ramsbottom United.



The Lilywhites, who play in the UniBond League, first division north, will be up against Vodkat North-West Counties League, premier division opposition.

Mossley have won three of their first four league matches, but new manager Chris Willcock warned: “Ramsbottom have made a reasonable start to their campaign and they will be looking to build on that and cause an upset against us.”

Mossley will be without Phil Charnock, Dave Prout and Dave Hanlon, but have cover in Aaron Kirk, Darryl Weston and Leon Henry.




CHADDERTON travel to Daisy Hill in the first division of the VNWCL, while the reserves entertain Daisy Hill’s second string.