Mossley boss calls on his players to deliver FA Cup shock

MOSSLEY face their third and most difficult obstacle so far in the FA Cup when they visit Kendal Town in the second qualifying round tomorrow.

After defeating Ramsbottom United and Flixton from the Vodkat North-West Counties League in their first two cup fixtures, the Lilywhites tackle opponents from higher in the non-league pyramid.

Kendal, who are in the upper reaches of the UniBond League premier division, stand between Mossley and a cheque for £4,500, which will be collected by the victors.

Mossley manager Chris Willcock says he will be interested to see how his players rise to the challenge, having watched Kendal win 2-1 at Ashton United on Monday.

“If our players aspire to make it at a higher level this will be a great shop window for them to show off their talents,” he said.

Should Mossley win, they would be only two rounds away from the first round proper.

The last time they reach that stage was 25 years ago when they lost 5-0 at Darlington.

Willcock is hoping to have striker Danny Dignan and winger Lee Blackshaw back after they missed last Saturday’s home defeat by Garforth Town through injury.

“We missed Danny’s endeavour as he is a great foil for Mike Fish and also Lee, who provides a quality supply of ball from the left. To have both back will be a big lift,” declared Willcock.




OLDHAM Town are back in Vodkat North-West Counties League, first division action tomorrow at home to Stone Dominoes.

Manager Tony Mills will be hoping his team can pick up from where they left off in last Saturday’s 6-2 victory in the FA Vase at AFC Emley where they scored all six goals in a terrific second-half display.

Leon Melia, who scored twice at Emley, serves a one-match ban after his FA Cup dismissal at Rossendale.

Central defenders Tim Buxton and Damian Schofield will again be missing, so that will mean a second start for 19-year-old new-boy Jake Cottrell, who has signed from Middleton Sunday League side Langley Celtic.




CHADDERTON, who have picked up seven points from their last three league games, have received a further lift as they prepare for tomorrow’s difficult away fixture at Bootle in the first division of the VNWCL.

Former Athletic trainee Aaron Sutcliffe has returned to the Broadway club, having quit at the end of last season.

After short spells at Ashton United and Salford City, the central defender has asked to rejoin the club and could replace Ricky Wild, who is unavailable.

Chadderton are at home to unbeaten league leaders Padiham in the reserve division.



Uppermill fun time

UPPERMILL FC’S ‘sport in the community’ project for boys and girls aged from five is under way.

Organised in conjunction with Greater Manchester Police and Saddleworth Round Table, it offers a fun introduction to football.

The sessions, run by FA qualified coaches, take place at Saddleworth School every Friday during term time (5.30pm to 6.30pm). Entry is free.

For more details, call youth development manager Simon Tait on 07974 231735