Mills delighted with progress

Non-league football:

OLDHAM Boro are going great guns in division one of the Vodkat North-West Counties League.

The Whitebank Stadium outfit sit 12th in the table after one defeat in nine games, and they are confident of improving that record at Irlam tonight.

Manager Tony Mills is delighted at Boro’s progress since the beginning of February and reckons it’s largely down to keeping a settled side.

“Because of players leaving and injuries before Christmas, we had to swap and change the starting XI nearly every week,” said Mills. “But the team picks itself now.

“It’s a huge help when players are available week in, week out. I can get to know them and they can get to know each other.

“Matty Hampson, Sean Roscoe and Tom Hughes have also made a difference — they are a proper midfield unit. They create and score goals.”

Roscoe was on target in last weekend’s win over Norton United, while Hampson was involved in the build up to the goal.

Both are expected to feature at Irlam, but Duncan Philbin (stitches), Nicky Murphy (bruised leg) and Will Buckley (shin) are doubtful.

Meanwhile, Mills has expressed his gratitude to Oldham Roughyeds for sponsoring the match ball against Norton. Boro and the Roughyeds have a similar arrangement for next four home games.


CHADDERTON boss Paul Buckley is setting his sights on a confidence-boosting win at Cheadle Town in division one of the NWCL tomorrow.

A draw against AFC Liverpool and victory over Atherton Collieries put the Broadway side in a positive frame of mind for the trip to Ashton Town on Saturday.

But Chadderton missed a glut of chances and also lost their cool in the disappointing 2-1 defeat.

Buckley said: “We must rediscover our self-belief and regain our self-discipline.

“We seem to switch off at vital times, either in front of goal or while we are defending.

“They are stupid little things, but they are costing us at the moment.”

Buckley is again without John Rogers, Dave Glynn, John Jones and Jimmy Huet because of injury. Leon Melia has recovered from tonsillitis, but is suspended.


IT’S a Tuesday night in March so Mossley must be in UniBond League division one north action.

The Lilywhites, who have picked up 18 out of a possible 21 points in their last six games, are away to Chorley.


Chadderton to stage leadership course
CHADDERTON FC are opening their doors to provide young people with an opportunity to gain a range of qualifications.

The Broadway outfit are staging a NVQ level two course in sport recreation and activity leadership for 16 to 24-year-olds. It is free and held on one weekday evening for between 20 and 26 weeks.

Enrolment is at Chadderton FC tomorrow (7pm), and it starts on Wednesday, March 31 (6pm to 8pm).

The course also includes child welfare and emergency first aid.

Students will become actively involved with various roles at Chadderton FC, who in return will provide tasks that are relevant and support their studies.

The scheme has been developed by Luis Michael Training and is staged by Chadderton FC in conjunction with Xtra Time Training.

For more details, call Danny Johnson, Xtra Time Training, on 07971 575078 or email xtratimetraining@live.co.uk  or Glynn Mellor, of Chadderton FC, on 07771 171311 or email glynnmellor@aol.com