Hot reception for new boys

NEW Chadderton signings Liam Radcliffe and Rick Sopel can expect a red-hot reception tonight when they go back to Rochdale Town.

The fact that the pair, both wide players, return to their former club less than a week after joining Chadderton, provides added spice to the first-division derby in the Vodkat North West Counties League.

“It is always a keenly-contested match, but I think it will be even more so this year because of Liam and Rick joining us so recently,” explained Broadway boss Paul Buckley.

Radcliffe and Sopel made their debuts in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against AFC Liverpool in the first round of the Vodkat League Challenge Cup.

Sopel’s twin Michael has also joined Chadderton from Town, though he only featured in the reserves on Saturday.

Buckley admits he has a selection headache after making nine changes to his starting line-up for Saturday’s match in which he gave debuts to Radcliffe, Sopel and brothers Liam and Marvin Walters.

After holding high-flying AFC Liverpool to a draw after extra time with a depleted team, Buckley says he has some difficult choices to make.

“Some of those who played on Saturday performed so well it will be difficult to leave them out, but it is a nice headache to have,” explained Buckley.

MOSSLEY are also in action tonight at home to Lancaster City in the first round of the UniBond League President’s Cup.

It is the first of three consecutive cup ties as their league programme is put on the back burner until Saturday week.

They head to Lincolnshire to play Spalding United in the FA Trophy on Saturday and then next Tuesday play Maine Road in the Manchester Premier Cup.

The Lilywhites will be bidding to extend their unbeaten run in league and cup to six matches after a marked upturn in their fortunes.

Lancaster are fourth in first division north of the UniBond League so it will be a tough test for mid-table Mossley.

“Tonight sees two teams who are in good form go head-to-head and it has the makings of a great game,” said manager Chris Willcock.

Midfield man Jordan Goodeve returns after missing Saturday’s goalless draw at Clitheroe through work, but striker Danny Egan is out as he completes a three-match ban.