Flanagan’s first test

NON LEAGUE FOOTBALL: AFTER a false start — last weekend’s fixture at Radcliffe Borough was postponed because of a frozen pitch — new Mossley manager John Flanagan takes charge of his first competitive match tonight.

Handed the job after Chris Willcock resigned to become No2 at Stalybridge Celtic, he pits his wits against Neil Aspin’s FC Halifax Town at Hurst Cross (kick-off 7.45pm).

Flanagan was Willcock’s assistant at Seel Park and filled the same role at Woodley Sports, a team he also managed.

Mossley secretary Harry Hulmes said: “We wanted stability and continuity, so John was the right man to step up. He is well-liked and has the respect of the players.”

Flanagan goes straight in at the deep end as Halifax are going great guns in UniBond League division one north.

Third in the table with games in hand over Lancaster City and Colwyn Bay, the Shaymen are poised to mount a strong promotion bid in the remainder of the season.

Halifax feature a familiar name in defender Mark Hotte, who made 65 appearances for Athletic between 1997 and 2002. They also boast experience in goal in the guise of former Huddersfield Town shot-stopper Phil Senior.

The two teams are yet to meet in the league this season, but they did go head to head in the Challenge Cup, with Halifax emerging 2-1 winners.


ALL Saturday games at Seel Park will kick-off at 2pm until further notice.

There are no floodlights at the ground and Mossley had to gain permission from the UniBond League for earlier start times.


CHADDERTON’S Manchester Premier Cup quarter-final tie at Radcliffe Borough last night was postponed because of a frozen pitch.