In-form Pearson praised by boss

OLDHAM Boro boss Tony Mills has praised Danny Pearson ahead of tonight’s Vodkat North-West Counties League basement battle at Rochdale Town (kick-off 7.45pm).

Pearson was named the division one ‘Safe Hands’ goalkeeper of the month for February after a string of assured performances between the sticks.

The shot-stopper has helped Boro go on a five-match unbeaten run, which has included noteworthy draws against title pretenders Stone Dominoes and Leek CSOB.

Mills said: “Danny’s confidence is growing by the game.

“He was in the shadow of Matty Blair for a long time before he retired. I regarded Matty as the best ’keeper in the league and his boots have taken some filling.

“Danny had a tricky start and made a couple of howlers, but he has been rewarded for his hard work.

“Concentration was his biggest flaw — I often thought he chatted with people behind his goal — but he has really bucked up his ideas and I’m pleased for him.

“This award is not just for Danny, and he’d be the first to say that, it’s for the lads in front of him as they also deserve great credit.”

Sean Roscoe, who was on target in the 2-2 draw at Leek on Saturday, and Duncan Philbin are unavailable for tonight’s visit to bottom-of-the-table Rochdale.

Andy Smith is a doubt — he was substituted 10 minutes into the second half last weekend because of sickness — but Tom Hughes will play.

The midfielder was sent off in the same game, but he has yet to discover when his ban will begin.




MOSSLEY are riding the crest of a wave in UniBond League division one north.



John Flanagan’s side are up to 13th in the table and are chasing a fourth consecutive win at Radcliffe Borough tonight (7.45pm).

The Lilywhites just don’t know when they are beaten. They have trailed in their last three games, but on each occasion they have fought back to claim maximum points.

Borough, who are eighth, are targeting a place in the play-offs.