Chadderton continue to blossom

NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL:

CHADDERTON are on course for a lofty finish in division one of the Vodkat North-West Counties League.

Paul Buckley’s side, who wrap up their season at AFC Liverpool tonight, are in confident mood after Saturday’s excellent 2-1 victory at Holker Old Boys.

Leon Melia was the hero for Chadderton at the weekend, scoring twice to make it back-to-back victories for the Broadway outfit.

The striker, who played in place of James Curley (unavailable), fired home a free-kick after Adam Edwards was brought down and added a second before half-time after good work from Edwards and Rick Sopel.

Melia had the chance of a hat-trick, but shot wide, while Edwards, Joe Jacobs and Gaz Morris also went close before Holker pulled a goal back with a minute left on the clock.

“To stay fourth would be a fantastic when you consider we were next-to-bottom at Christmas, but even if we drop out of the top five it would still be a great achievement,” said Buckley.

“In a way, I wish the season could go on for another month, because the lads are really starting to gel. It all bodes well for when we return after the summer break.”




OLDHAM Boro’s season in NWCL division one came to a close with a 3-1 home defeat by Wigan Robin Park.



Boro midfielder Tom Hughes cancelled out Paul Vermiglio’s 20th-minute goal before half-time, but Park clinched victory thanks to further efforts from Oliver Sumner (47) and Ryan Small (83).