Bragging rights at stake in derby duel

NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL: OLDHAM Boro old boys Leon Melia and James Curley, who lead the line at rivals Chadderton, add further spice to the eagerly-awaited local derby at the Whitebank Stadium tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).

Both frontmen switched allegiances earlier this season and are expected to feature in the Vodkat North-West Counties League division one clash.

The protagonists go into the game on the back of contrasting fortunes.

Boro hit back to beat in-form AFC Blackpool 2-1 — it was Tony Mills’ side first win of the year — but Chadderton were beaten 2-1 at home to Eccleshall, their first league defeat in four matches.

“We can’t wait to get at them,” said Mills. “We’ll get in their faces, as we did against Blackpool on Saturday.

“It’s a derby, so there is no advantage being at home. Players are frightened to make mistakes in this type of game and the side that shows the most patience will come out on top.”

Midfielder Shaun Roscoe is Boro’s only doubt after picking up a calf injury against Blackpool.

Chadderton manager Paul Buckley was upset by the manner of his side’s defeat on Saturday.

The result was all the more bewildering for the Broadway boss after their 1-0 reverse at Radcliffe Borough in the Manchester Premier Cup two days earlier.

Buckley said: “It was frustrating to lose to Eccleshall when we were excellent against Radcliffe, who play in the UniBond League.

“We were shocking in fact and got what we deserved . . . nothing. We just didn’t perform and I’ll probably freshen things up.”

Gaz Morris, Jimmy Huet and Mickey Green, who impressed against Eccleshall after being introduced from the substitutes’ bench, are pushing for starting spots.




MOSSLEY are also on a comeback mission when they play host to Curzon Ashton at Hurst Cross tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).



The Lilywhites suffered their first defeat under John Flanagan when they went down 4-2 at UniBond League north division title-hopefuls FC Halifax Town on Saturday.

But Curzon will be no pushovers. While Mossley sit 17th in the table — they have games in hand — the visitors are in the play-off places.