Gazza won’t distract Lilywhites

NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL: WHO would have thought that the eyes of the nation would be drawn towards Mossley tonight?

Paul Gascoigne is expected to oversee his first game in charge of Garforth Town at Seel Park (7.45pm kick-off).

Having taken in World Cups, European Championships, the Premier League and Serie ‘A’, it’s time for Gazza to get a taste of the Evo-Stik League Division One North.

And while Town’s players will run themselves into the ground to impress the former England playmaker, the Lilywhites won’t be short of endeavour themselves, as they search for a first home win of the season.

How sweet it would be to achieve it in front of one of football’s most lauded and controversial stars.

Mossley’s 2-1 victory at Dunston UTS in the FA Cup second qualifying round came at a price.

Darryl Weston is out for at least a week after suffering an ankle injury following a two-footed challenge by Michael Dixon — who was sent off — and Ben Richardson took a knock on his shin and is a big doubt for tonight’s match.

Lilywhites boss Shaun Higgins said: “We are going to have to change things around a bit due to the injuries we sustained at Dunston.

“We won’t be distracted by the occasion and the buzz surrounding Paul Gascoigne.

“Their players will be desperate to make an impression on him, but we will be giving it our all to try to get our first home win.”

Meanwhile, Mossley are on their travels again in the FA Cup third qualifying round.

They have been drawn to face Lincoln Moorlands Railway of the KoolSport Northern Counties East League.

Shaun Higgins’ men, who defeated Dunston UTS 2-1 in the last round, go to Lincoln on Saturday, October 9. The winners receive £7,500 prize money.



AFTER an extended break due to lack of cup involvement this term, Chadderton’s return to action saw them close the gap on the leading pack in Vodkat North-West Counties League Division One.
Paul Buckley’s side saw off Irlam 2-1 thanks to a James Curley brace, and they now have 10 points to their name — with games in hand on nearly all the teams above them.

Win two of them and Chadderton could jump from ninth place into the top four.




Oldham Boro sit third from bottom of the table after their 4-1 defeat at Wigan Robin Park.