Derby duel in doubt

AMATEUR FOOTBALL:

BOXING Day’s local derby between Oldham Boro and Chadderton in division one of the Vodkat North-West Counties League is already in the lap of the Gods.

The pitch at the Whitebank Stadium is solid with frost and snow and officials are keeping their fingers crossed that the eagerly-awaited encounter will get the green light.

Boro manager Tony Mills said: “We’ve covered the goal areas, so it’s a case of whether a thaw will set in before Saturday.

“In the past we’ve swept the snow away and played, but it depends how deep it is.

“If it does thaw, we could be left with a problem of a saturated ground.

“Financially, it could be a good day for us, especially if other games in the area are called off and ours goes ahead, but all we can do is hope for the best.”

Defender Andy Lee is is in contention for a derby-day recall after overcoming an ankle injury, while centre-half Andy Smith has only an outside chance after missing a month because of a calf problem.

Boro’s fixture Ashton Town last weekend was postponed because of a frozen ground.

Manager Paul Buckley went indoors after Chadderton’s home match against Barnoldswick also fell foul of the weather.

The Broadway boss and his players had a game of five-a-side at the Soccer Village, Milnrow.

Buckley said: “I saw the forecast on Friday and booked it. Although it doesn’t make up for a competitive fixture, the lads could at least stretch their legs.”

Buckley will have to do without striker James Curley for the Boro clash. He was due to complete his three-match ban against Barnoldswick, but it will now finish on Saturday, weather permitting.


MANAGER Chris Willcock is looking to boost the Mossley ranks.

The Lilywhites chief, who wants to strengthen each department and increase competition for places, has already put in seven days’ notice for an unnamed player.

He said: “It’s important to keep people on their toes and ensure complacency doesn’t set in. Hopefully, it will also provide fresh impetus.”

Mossley were also forced indoors for a training session after their game at Trafford in UniBond League division one was postponed.

They were looking to bounce back from a midweek 4-1 defeat at Salford City, where they conceded three goals and had a player sent off in a 15-minute spell.

Manager Chris Willcock said: “We wanted to get the Salford result out of our system at the earlier possible opportunity, but you can’t legislate for the weather.”