Flanagan steps down as Mossley manager

NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL: MOSSLEY are on the look-out for a new manager after John Flanagan (pictured) stepped down from the position.

Flanagan, who took over in February after the resignation of Chris Willcock, cited work commitments for his decision to relinquish the role.

He informed the board of directors before the final game of the UniBond League division one north season against Rossendale United at Seel Park on Saturday. And, in a fitting send-off, the Lilywhites cruised to a 4-1 win.

Flanagan steered the club from 16th position to a seventh-place finish, narrowly missing out on the play-off positions.

His last act was to ensure Mossley wrapped up their campaign on a high note.

Lee Blackshaw and Ben Richardson put Mossley two goals up before half-time.

Rossendale hit back 60 seconds after the restart thanks to David Owens, but Mossley responded through Matty Kay.

And victory was sealed with five minutes to go when Chris McDonagh nodded home a free-kick.




CHADDERTON are in good heart for tonight’s Vodkat North-West Counties League division one fixture at home to Atherton Collieries (kick-off 7.45pm).



Adam Edwards and James Curley were on target for Paul Buckley’s side in a 2-1 defeat of Wigan Robin Park at Broadway.

Edwards struck in the 22nd minute — he latched on to a ball over the top — and Curley added a second moments later after Edwards and Chris Pauley were involved in the build-up.

Mickey Green also skimmed the crossbar for Chadderton, who were hanging on at the death after Ryan Small pulled a goal back for Park with four minutes to go.

Keith Melvin, promoted from the reserves, was excellent in the centre of defence and is expected to play again tonight.




OLDHAM Boro were out of luck at Ashton Town in NWCL division one.



Goalless at the midway point — Damian Schofield missed a penalty for the visitors on the stroke of half-time — Tony Mills’ men went on to lose 4-1.

Schofield did score Boro’s consolation — he was successful from his second spot-kick attempt in the 69th minute — while Stephen Edwards (two), Kevin Hill and Mike Sykes got the Town goals.