Town take a break from cup exploits

OLDHAM Town return to Vodkat North-West Counties League, first division action tomorrow after a three-weeks absence.

Town, who have been in cup action for the last two Saturdays, pay the first of two visits in the space of four weeks to Bootle. They return to Merseyside in the FA Vase next month.

Fifth-placed Town will be looking to make up ground in the promotion race as the four teams above them have played more matches.

Incredibly, Town have played more cup-ties than league fixtures this season and are already facing a massive backlog before the onset of winter.

“Tomorrow is a massive game for us and I would prefer three points rather than victory over Bootle in the FA Vase,” said manager Tony Mills, who is looking to extend Town’s impressive record against the Merseysiders.

“We have played Bootle six times in the last two seasons and not lost in those meetings. That record has got to stand us in good stead,” said Mills.




CHADDERTON bid to complete a league double over Leek CSOB at Broadway in the first division of the VNWCL tomorrow.

Paul Buckley’s team won 2-0 in Staffordshire in the second game of the campaign with goals from Chris Pauley and Mickey Green.

Buckley’s dilemma tomorrow will be which players to leave out as Ian Knapman, Donovan Greenidge, John Cregan, Tony Hanlon, Arron Sutcliffe, Bobby Fulham and Lee Swanson are all available again.



MOSSLEY are at home to Rossendale United as they bid to maintain their promotion challenge in UniBond League, division one north.

The Lilywhites originally had a free date, but have rearranged the fixture from January as Rossendale were also without a fixture.

Mossley assistant manager John Flanagan praised the character of the players in midweek as, not for the first time this season, they came from behind to defeat Radcliffe Borough in the second round of the President’s Cup.

“It has become a trait to concede goals just before or immediately after half-time,” he said.

“That is something we need to cut out, though I cannot fault the spirit and the way they keep fighting back.”

Strikers Mike Fish (foot) and Danny Dignan (groin) have niggles, but Flanagan said both will be able to play.