Hughes departs Boro

OLDHAM BORO manager Tony Mills has suffered a setback as he tries to steer his side away from the lower reaches of Vodkat North-West Counties League division one.

Midfield man Tom Hughes who, apart from his role in the centre of the park, also offers a potent goal threat, has signed for Trafford in the UniBond League division one north.

Mills said: “It is a massive blow to lose such a good player. He was also our leading scorer. Tom is the eighth player from my best XI last season to leave the club, so it’s no wonder where we are in the table.”

With no prospect of bringing anybody else in before Saturday’s fixture at Barnoldswick Town, Mills will have to try to get the best out of the 15 players he has left in his squad.

MOSSLEY, who are unbeaten in their last 13 league and cup games, have welcomed back Chris Hirst after the attack-minded midfielder was released by Salford City.

The 20-year-old made 31 appearances and scored four goals last season after he joined the Lilywhites on an extended loan spell from Coca-Cola League Two outfit Macclesfield.

Freed by the Silkmen, he subsequently signed for Salford but an injury, which he has now recovered from, limited his appearances.

Manager Chris Willcock will be hoping that Hirst can recapture his best form as Mossley gear up for a busy programme of UniBond League division one north fixtures and cup-tie action.

Willcock said: “Chris did well for us last season and we were keen to get him back again.
“He will provide us with another attacking option and it’s also another player that we can add to the squad, because it will be all hands to the pump in the next couple of weeks.”