Out to make amends

Local non-league football

MOSSLEY manager Chris Willcock can’t wait for tonight’s UniBond League division one north fixture at Halifax Town, even though the Lilywhites lost 5-0 at home against Newcastle Blue Star on Saturday.

Willcock declared: “The worst thing after a defeat like that is not to play for a week and have the game going over and over again in your mind.

“We are looking forward to getting back on the pitch and what better place than The Shay which is a great venue, has a good pitch and there should be a big crowd.”

Halifax are unbeaten in seven league games since they lost 3-1 at Seel Park in early September, collecting 19 points from a possible 21 to climb to fourth spot.

Willcock believes his injury-hit side, which has slipped to seventh, won’t let him down as they did on Saturday.

He said: “When we played Halifax earlier in the season they came with big reputations but we were competitive. However, we stood off Blue Star and let them play.

“The players are aware they let themselves down and I am sure I will get a positive response.”

Willcock has strengthened his squad with the captures of keeper Ashley Connor and winger Chris Hirst.

Connor, last season’s Lilywhites player of the year, has returned after spells at Ashton United and Marsden to replace No 1 Andy Robertson who is ruled out by a three-match ban after being sent off in his last game for Ramsbottom United.

Hirst is a first-year professional at Macclesfield Town and has been brought in on a one-month loan.

Willcock could have the left-sided Leon Henry and striker Danny Egan back after injury tonight, but front man Danny Dignan remains on the sidelines with a fractured rib.


CHADDERTON reserves, depleted by players being called into the first team, crashed to a 6-1 defeat at AFC Fylde, Clive Best scoring their consolation goal.

Chadderton’s first team has been dealt a blow with former Athletic trainee Arron Sutcliffe leaving after accepting a teaching post in the South of England.

It leaves the Broadway club short of central defensive cover as Mark Egerton and Tony Hanlon are unlikely to be available for some time due to work commitments.