Chadderton in cup thriller

CHADDERTON fought out a thrilling 2-2 draw after extra time at home to AFC Liverpool in the first round of the Vodkat League Challenge Cup. 

It was all change as promised by Broadway boss Paul Buckley, though hardly anybody expected him to make nine alterations from the previous game’s starting line-up.

Goalkeeper Lee Swanson and midfield man John Jones were the two survivors as the remainder were left on the sidelines.

Buckley wanted to have a look at some of his fringe players, with four making their first-team debut including new signings Liam Radcliffe and Rick Sopel from Rochdale Town.

The Chadderton chief was delighted with the way his side competed against one of the top teams in their division of the Vodkat North West Counties League.

AFC Liverpool took the lead midway through the opening half through a John Kennedy penalty following a foul from Louis Maynard.

But Chadderton were back on level terms 10 minutes later as debut-making striker Liam Walters scored from the penalty spot.

The second period of extra time saw Buckley go for broke by pushing defender Ian Hulme upfield and it immediately paid off when Hulme popped up to fire Chadderton ahead.

Danny Bell and Jones then blew great chances which would have sealed victory before Chadderton were undone by a long ball downfield four minutes from the end which allowed Gina Olanrewaju to run through to equalise.

The date for the replay has yet to be finalised.

Chadderton reserves lost 2-0 at Irlam.

OLDHAM TOWN bowed out of the Challenge Cup following a 5–1 defeat at Holker Old Boys.

The lengthy journey to Cumbria proved a fruitless one for Town, though Gareth Smith did not put Old Boys ahead until shortly before half time.

Town were unlucky not to go off on level terms as Lee Deakin’s header hit the crossbar moments before the break.

UNBEATEN

The loss of James Curley at half time with a foot injury did not help Town, who were also without top scorer Darren Scanlan who was working.

Brian Dawson doubled the lead for Old Boys for a free header after 62 minutes after which Town collapsed as Dave Swarbrick, Dawson and an own goal completed the tally.
Nick Alexander pulled a goal back for Town after 86 minutes, a drive from 30 yards which had the Old Boys keeper grasping thin air.

MOSSLEY extended their unbeaten run to five matches following a goalless draw at Clitheroe in UniBond League, first division north.

It was a game of few chances as the Lilywhites had been seeking a fifth straight victory.

Mossley dominated the opening half hour, but could not muster a shot on target as they should have had the game won before the interval.

Most of the drama came in the dying minutes when both sides had chances to have snatched victory, though on reflection a draw was a fair result.