Mossley feel the pinch

THE icy snap is threatening financial meltdown at Mossley, who will have been without a home fixture for almost two months - assuming next Tuesday’s rearranged fixture against Curzon Ashton at Seel Park goes ahead.

Commercial manager Phil Beckwith admits it is a challenging time for the Lilywhites with the stream of revenue drying up.

Mr Beckwith said that without the financial support of chairman Steve Astley the club would be struggling to balance its books.

He said: “It is a very difficult time at the moment and we are fighting to get through it with the help of the chairman and board of directors.

“To be without a home game for almost nine weeks has been a killer, added to the pressure we are under caused by the credit crunch.”

Apart from losing gate revenue, Mossley have also suffered a marked drop in takings at their social club caused by the lack of action on the field at Seel Park.

Mr Beckwith continued: “Most clubs are finding it difficult, but our position has been compounded by not having a home game for such a lengthy spell.

“We are fortunate our chairman is driving us down the right road and, with his help and guidance, we will get through this, though it won’t be easy.”

Mossley’s last home game was against Salford City on Saturday, November 15.


MOSSLEY have extended the loan signing of Macclesfield Town midfield player Chris Hirst for the remainder of the season.

The teenager has spent the last two months at Seel Park and produced some impressive displays.



CHADDERTON are struggling similarly, having had only one home game since the end of November.

And with the freeze set to continue, and this weekend’s home game against Holker Old Boys under threat, they could be confronted by a spell of only one home game in eight weeks.

Manager Paul Buckley admitted it is a difficult time with revenue at the Broadway club severely hit.

“We are lucky our Boxing Day game against Oldham Town went ahead and the good turnout helped bring in some money which will help pay a couple of bills,” he explained.

Chadderton’s Division One Trophy quarter-final against Bootle, which was postponed on Monday due to a frozen Broadway pitch, has been rescheduled for Monday, January 19.


OLDHAM Town are the least affected of the three local non-league teams, having had two home matches in December.

But secretary Dave Shepherd says they could feel the pinch if the cold snap continues.

They are without a home league fixture until January 31 and he says it is important two home midweek cup ties, rearranged for this month, take place to prevent them experiencing cash-flow problems.