Boss backs Egan to deliver goods

Amateur soccer : MOSSLEY are without 11-goal hitman Steven Moore for tonight’s UniBond League Challenge Cup third-round clash at Lancaster City (kick-off 7.45pm).

The striker has work commitments and, with Mike Fish cup-tied, boss Chris Willcock will call on Danny Egan and Nathan Neequaye to lead the line at the Giant Axe.

It will be Egan’s first game back in Mossley colours since returning from a loan spell at Flixton, where he scored three goals in five appearances.

Willcock said: “Danny is fit and confident from scoring goals and that’s what every manager wants from a striker.”

The Lilywhites are looking for a pick-me-up after going down to lowly Woodley Sports in UniBond League division one north last week.

They were due to play Bamber Bridge on Saturday, but the fixture was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

Willcock said: “We saw last weekend’s game as an ideal opportunity to put the Woodley defeat to bed, but the weather got the better of us.

“For the first time in 18 matches we didn’t compete (against Woodley) and that was the most disappointing aspect.

“It was the same set of players that had gone on a long unbeaten run, but for some reason they just had an off-day.”




CHADDERTON manager Paul Buckley is set to strengthen his squad with the addition of Leon Melia and Shaun Nolan.



Both players are expected to sign this week and are likely to make their debuts in the reserves on Saturday.

Buckley has been a long-time admirer of Meila, who is poised to make the move from Vodkat North-West Counties League division one rivals Oldham Boro.

The Broadway boss said: “He’s quick and direct, which is what I like. He fancied a change and it also offers him a chance to link up with James Curley again.”

Nolan has been playing his football at NWCL premier division outfit Ashton Athletic recently.

He is another option in midfield for Buckley, who added: “It increases competition for places and ensures against complacency.”




THAT’S THE SPIRIT, LADS



TONY Mills hailed his side’s spirit after Oldham Boro came from behind to draw 2-2 at Eccleshall in division one of the NWCL on Saturday.



Nick Alexander got both goals for the Whitebank Stadium club, who were again unable to name a full set of substitutes.

“I was pleased with the performance,” said Mills.

“The game could have easily drifted away from us after they got their second goal, but we came back strong and had two or three good opportunities to snatch it.”

Boro’s friendly against Boundary Park under-19s at the Whitebank Stadium tonight has been postponed. It will now go ahead next Tuesday.