Chadderton’s ray of hope

Chadderton FC manager Paul Buckley

CHADDERTON officials are keeping their fingers and toes crossed for this weekend’s Vodkat North-West Counties League division one fixture at AFC Blackpool.

The Broadway outfit have played just two games in nine weeks, but they are quietly optimistic about Saturday’s away clash beating the big freeze.

With the ground’s proximity so close to the coast — they play near Squires Gate airport — there is a chance that temperatures could be a degree or two warmer than further in land.

Chadderton would certainly welcome a competitive game of football after a frustrating series of postponements.

But they haven’t been alone in enduring a frustrating period of inactivity.

The entire league programme was lost for the third successive Saturday and, according to results co-ordinator Andrew Moffat, that’s never happened since the competition began in 1982.

Chadderton manager Paul Buckley and his players have found sanctuary indoors, and that was the case again last weekend after their match against Stone Dominoes was called off.

The Soccer Village at Milnrow has become a regular haunt for the team as they try to maintain their fitness levels.

When they do return to action, and that is anybody’s guess, Buckley will face a selection dilemma.

Liam Radcliffe and Ben Greenidge are close to making comebacks from injury, James Curley is one game away from completing a ban, while Mark Edgerton is also on the way back from suspension.

Buckley has also increased his firepower with the addition of teenager Adam Edwards, who was released by Athletic last season.

“He’s very sharp and direct and will hopefully do a good job for us,” said Buckley of the player, who more recently had a spell at Prestwich Heys in the Manchester League.

OLDHAM Boro are desperate just to get on the training pitch.

Tony Mills’ side, who normally use Chapel Road, haven’t had a midweek session since the beginning of December.

They were due to play Avro, from the Manchester League, tonight so the players could stretch their legs but, unsurprisingly, that game is off with the Whitebank Stadium pitch covered by snow.

Mills said: “We’ve scoured everywhere to fit in a training session. The indoor venues have been closed over Christmas and New Year and now there are no time slots available.”

Boro are at home to Wigan Robin Park in the NWCL on Saturday, but that fixture is already under threat with the wintery conditions set to continue.

MOSSLEY have suffered three consecutive postponements in UniBond League division one north.

The Lilywhites’ last game was on December 15 when they were beaten 4-1 by Salford City.

Next up for Chris Willcock’s side, weather permitting, is a home match against Garforth Town on Saturday.