Last-gasp goal blow for Town

OLDHAM TOWN came within seconds of causing an FA Cup upset as Rossendale United scored an injury-time equaliser in Saturday’s home preliminary-round tie which ended in a 1-1 draw, writes Tony Bugby.
The goal from Dene Whittall-Williams came in the second minute of stoppage time after Town had looked set to defeat opponents from two divisions higher in the non-league pyramid.

Disaster struck, however, when they needlessly conceded a free kick just outside their penalty area when substitute James Tindall handled.

John Turner’s dead ball was fired home by central defender Whittall-Williams with a near-post shot on the turn into the far corner which could cost Town £1,500 in prize money if they lose tomorrow’s replay at Dark Lane.

Town gave a battling display and there was no evidence of the wide gulf between the two teams, though the local side lived dangerously at times in a rip-roaring cup clash.

Rossendale hit the frame of the Town goal three times, though Matt Landregan also struck an upright.

And it was danger-man Landregan who fired Town ahead late in the opening half after a well-rehearsed short corner involving James Curley and Jonny Phillips.

In the latter stages, Town manager Tony Mills took off attacking players Darren Scanlan, Stuart McGill and Curley and switched to a more defensive line-up with five at the back and four in midfield.

The decision to shut up shop appeared to be working as Town’s defence held firm until Whittall-Williams struck at the death.




MOSSLEY were given a scare by Ramsbottom United, of the Vodkat League, before securing a 3-1 victory and a place in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup.

It was the proverbial game of two halves as the UniBond League first division north Lilywhites were completely outplayed in the opening period and found themselves 1-0 down to a goal from James Morley.

Mossley salvaged the situation in the second half with a three-goal blast.

Lee Blackshaw eased the nerves with an equaliser after 50 minutes and Danny Egan put Mossley ahead before the hour mark before top scorer Michael Fish sealed victory with Mossley’s third and his fifth goal of the season.




CHADDERTON lost 5-1 at Daisy Hill where two goals in the dying minutes gave the Westhoughton-based team a flattering margin of victory in the first division of the Vodkat North West Counties League.

Two goals in the opening 10 minutes from Sean Ferguson gave the hosts a dream start.

Ian Knapman pulled a goal back for Chadderton after 20 minutes and the margin remained 2-1 until midway through the second half when Steve Johnson restored Hill’s two-goal advantage.

Mike Smith and Darren Dale scored further goals in the 88th and 89th minutes as Chadderton wilted.