Boro upset by FA Cup decision

OLDHAM Boro have been left reeling by the news that they won’t be playing in the FA Cup this season.

Cash-strapped Boro were relying on prize money from the competition but have been told their second-from-bottom finish in division one of the Vodkat North-West Counties League was too low to gain entry.

Boro boss Tony Mills said: “We were banking on winning at least one qualifying round, because the money would have seen us through the season.

“We’ll have to find the money to pay for home matches now, which is going to hit us hard.

“It’s a real sickner and we’re gutted about the situation.”

Boro, who play their final friendly match on Saturday against Radcliffe Town, have still been busy in the transfer market.

Mills has snapped up midfielder Jamie Rother and defenders Mike Cheetham and Geoffrey Hoe, as well as re-signing left-sided player Tom Batley, who left the Whitebank Stadium two years ago.

Mills said: “The lads are settling in well, we have had some good performances so far and have also managed to blood some youngsters, because we have a new under-19s team.

“Our main problem is going to be up front because Darren Scanlon is going into the army, which leaves us short.

“I am still actively looking to bring in a striker before the season starts.”

Boro kick off the league campaign on Saturday, August 7 at Ashton Town — a trip Mills isn’t relishing.

“They are our only bogey team,” he added.

“In the past I’ve put out a strong team and we’ve been leathered, and a weak team and we’ve been leathered, whatever we do against them they seem to beat us.

“Maybe it’s a good thing to play them this early though because we don’t usually meet until later in the season.”