Honours even in derby battle

IT finished honours even in last night’s Vodkat North-West Counties League division one local derby as Oldham Boro fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Chadderton.

The hosts were seemingly down and out after trailing to efforts from Andy Pheby and Jimmy Huet, but a second-half brace in the space of eight minutes ensured parity at the Whitebank Stadium.

Chadderton went ahead in the 10th minute, Pheby firing home from the edge of the penalty area after Boro’s Nick Alexander had lost possession.

And Paul Buckley’s side increased their lead just after the half mark when Huet got the final touch in a goalmouth scramble.

Second-bottom Boro, who were looking to stretch their unbeaten run to four games, were awful in the first half, but much better after the break.

They pulled a goal back in the 70th minute from the penalty spot. Chadderton were punished for a foul on Duncan Philbin and Damian Schofield did the rest.

It was all-square moments later when Alexander, atoning for his earlier error, played a neat one-two with Nick Murphy on the left hand side before rifling the ball across ’keeper Lee Swanson and into the top corner of the net.

With underfoot conditions deteriorating by the minute, the game fizzled out, with both sides content to share the spoils.


MOSSLEY’S UniBond League division one north game against neighbours Curzon Ashton at Hurst Cross was postponed because of a frozen pitch.

The Lilywhites are in action at Seel Park on Saturday when Clitheroe are the visitors.


ROCHDALE’S lead at the top of Coca–Cola League Two has been cut to two points after they suffered a 3–1 home defeat to Bradford.

Matthew Clarke stunned the home fans when he headed Bradford in front after 10 minutes, but it appeared normal service had resumed when Chris Dagnall levelled for Dale on the stroke of half–time.

However, Robbie Threlfall's free–kick put Bradford back in front 10 minutes from time before Gareth Evans made sure in the 87th minute.

Bournemouth took advantage as they scored three times in the second half to see off Barnet.

The Cherries are two points behind, having played two games more, and are two points clear of Bury, who were held to a 0–0 draw by Morecambe.