Mossley on trophy trail

NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL: MOSSLEY go in search of a notable scalp in the Carlsberg FA Trophy at Seel Park tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).

Steven Moore’s late goal on Saturday earned Chris Willcock’s side a second chance against Ilkeston Town, from Blue Square North, in the third qualifying round of the competition.

The tie finished at 1-1 and the Lilywhites, who play two rungs below Town in UniBond League division one north, will believe they can cause an upset on home soil.

Willcock said: “I don’t think Ilkeston will fancy coming to our place on a Tuesday night when it’s blowing a gale. Our surface will be a bit different to theirs as well after all the rain we’ve had in this part of the country.”




CHADDERTON manager Paul Buckley is desperate for a break in the weather.

His Broadway side haven’t played since October 31 when they were beaten 5-1 by Stone Dominoes.

They had no chance last weekend as they were due to visit Cumbrian outfit Holker Old Boys for a Vodkat North-West Counties League division one fixture.

Chadderton’s reserves did play, however, and the game against Ashton Athletic provided Ben Greenidge and Gaz Morris with much-needed run-out.

It was their first game for seven weeks, with Greenidge getting the second goal in a 2-1 win after Joe Jacobs’ opener for Chadderton.

Buckley said: “After missing three games because of suspension, they were set to return for the first team, but that was put on hold because of the postponements, so they needed a game.

“The reserves hadn’t played for three weeks and you could tell. The pitch was very heavy by the end and the players were all out.

“We can’t do anything about the weather. All we can do is train twice a week, but that’s no substitute for match fitness.”

Buckley will be hoping the rain relents for Saturday’s Vodkat First Division Trophy tie at home to Rochdale Town.


OLDHAM Boro were also left with a blank weekend after their fixture at home to Daisy Hill was called off at the 11th hour.

Boss Tony Mills received a telephone call on Friday to say the match had been postponed because Daisy Hill had to fulfil an FA Vase tie against Armthorpe Welfare. The game was due to take place the previous Wednesday, only to fall foul of the weather.

Mills said: “It wasn’t ideal, but there was nothing we could do. It was a case of ringing round to let people know the game was off.

“It would have been touch and go anyway, because of the conditions.”

Mills is now preparing his side for Saturday’s game against Cheadle Town in the Vodkat First Division Trophy at the Whitebank Stadium.