Chadderton look for repeat

CHADDERTON will be hoping lightning can strike twice as they head to Mossley tonight in the first round of the Manchester Premier Cup.

Twelve months ago to the day Chadderton caused an upset by defeating the Lilywhites, two divisions higher in the non-league pyramid, 1-0 at home.

Chadderton have injury problems as John Gregan and Gareth Morris, who shared three of the goals on Saturday’s 4-0 league win against Leek CSOB, are ruled out through injury.

Two-goal Cregan sustained a groin strain and Morris a blow to his hip, while Micky Green is also missing through concussion following a clash of heads and left-back Chris Pauley has a foot injury.

Mossley manager Chris Willcock intends to field a full-strength side, saying he wants to maintain the momentum built up after Saturday’s 3–0 win against Rossendale.

Willcock will have one enforced change with midfield player Leon Henry ruled out due to a groin strain sustained. His place could go to Mitch Bailey who was absent against Rossendale through illness.




OLDHAM TOWN are also in Manchester Premier Cup action tonight at Abbey Hey.

It is a cup clash involving first and premier division teams in the Vodkat North West Counties League with Town aiming to cause an upset.

Town manager Tony Mills is looking for a positive reaction after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Bootle where two defensive howlers from keeper Matty Blair and John Joyce proved their undoing.

Striker Matt Landregan was only a substitute on Saturday as he had a slight injury and he could return to the starting line-up, as could Darren Scanlan.

Town have re-signed former Bury player Nicky Thompson from Bacup Borough.




MOSSLEY striker Mike Fish has started to recapture his Midas touch.

After finding the net 13 times in the Lilywhites’ first 10 games, Fish has managed only two goals in the last six but was back on target on Saturday.

Assistant manager John Flanagan said: “I have told Mike that teams quickly work out who the goalscorers are, and they are taking more notice of him.

“It is now a question as to whether or not he can lift himself for that challenge.

“When the goals dry up, as they did at one stage, it is important for him to roll up his sleeves and work hard for the team.”

Mossley have signed striker Anthony Robinson, from Failsworth, who has been playing local Sunday football.

But Willcock has trimmed his squad by releasing fringe players Paddy Garmory, Mike Connor, Scott Holt and Liam Coyne.