‘Massive matches’ for Boro

NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL: OLDHAM Boro are gearing up for two games of huge importance in division one of the Vodkat North-West Counties League.

The Whitebank Stadium outfit go to Ashton Town tomorrow for a battle of two basement teams before playing host to local rivals Chadderton on Boxing Day.

“They are two massive matches,” said Boro boss Tony Mills, who has strengthened his squad with the addition of midfielder Vinnie Howell, from Avro, and defender Charlie Clarke, from Boundary Park under-19s.

“Although Ashton are second from bottom, they are improving fast. They have a new management team in place and virtually a complete new set of players.

“If we can win tomorrow, it will give us a great deal of confidence going into the Chadderton game.”

Mills welcomes back striker Jermaine Steele and midfielder Duncan Philbin for the visit to Ashton. The duo missed the Cheadle Town defeat because of illness and work commitments respectively.


MOSSLEY are on a recovery mission in UniBond League division one north tomorrow.


The Lilywhites were left smarting after they succumbed 4-1 at lowly Salford City on Tuesday night, and boss Chris Willcock is targeting a positive response from his players.

A repeat of September’s outcome between this weekend’s rivals at Shawe View would suit Mossley just fine. On that occasion goals from Danny Egan and Steven Moore clinched a 2-0 win.


CHADDERTON are setting their sights on back-to-back wins tomorrow.


Buoyed by their 1-0 victory over Rochdale Town in the Vodkat NWCL First Division Trophy, Paul Buckley’s side welcome title-chasing Barnoldswick to Broadway.

New signings Leon Melia and Shaun Nolan are available after they were cup-tied last weekend. Mickey Green also comes into contention after scoring twice for the reserves in a recent 6-2 win over Atherton LR.