Higgins to shuffle pack

NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL:

MOSSLEY’S silverware exploits continue tonight when they host neighbours Curzon Ashton in the first round of the Manchester Premier Cup (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Lilywhites have already made progress in the FA Cup and FA Trophy, and local bragging rights are at stake against Gary Lowe’s side.

Mossley boss Shaun Higgins will be without defender Andy Watson, who suffered a bruised foot in the 4-1 win at Shepshed Dynamo in the FA Trophy.

However, Higgins was already thinking of shuffling the pack after the recent busy schedule.

“If it was a league game I might have risked Andy, but to be honest I was going to freshen things up anyway for the Curzon match, because we have played a lot of games lately,” said Higgins.

“It will give other players a chance to come in and show what they can do.

“The cup games are coming thick and fast at the moment, but we are playing well and enjoying our football.”

Meanwhile, Mossley have been drawn at home to Evo-Stik League Premier Division side Nantwich Town in the FA Trophy second qualifying round.

The match takes place on Saturday, October 30 at Seel Park.



CHADDERTON’S first round match sees them host Vodkat League North-West Premier Division leaders New Mills tonight (7.45pm).

The Millers have won 11 of their 15 matches in the league.

Should he play, the danger man will be striker Steve Moore, who has scored 14 goals in all competitions so far this term.

Chadderton hot-shot James Curley, who has notched eight goals this season, is suspended for the rest of October due to a red card he picked up playing Sunday League football.



OLDHAM Boro were beaten 4-0 at Hyde United last night, in the Manchester Premier Cup first round.

Scott McGiven opened the scoring for the Tigers after 36 minutes, and Sean Whalley doubled the lead just as the Ewen Fields faithful were heading for their half-time pies.

Dale Jackson got on the scoresheet after the hour mark, and Chris Rimmer found the target 10 minutes later.