Higgins eyes the big prize

MOSSLEY go into tomorrow’s FA Cup fourth qualifying round clash with Darlington knowing they are only one victory away from a potential glamour tie with a League One or Two team.

At least 700 supporters are expected to turn out at Seel Park for the 3pm kick-off.

A win over their Blue Square Bet Premier opponents would see Shaun Higgins’ men enter Sunday lunchtime’s first-round draw, alongside the likes of Athletic.

Higgins said: “It would be brilliant to make it through to the draw and get in there with some of the big boys.

“We have really enjoyed our cup run so far, the place is buzzing and we are focused on keeping it going.

“All our concentration is on this game. If we win, we can look forward to another big occasion.”

Mossley have confirmed there will be no segregation at the match, but have urged their supporters to arrive early in order to avoid crowd congestion.

Club secretary Harry Hulmes said: “Having spoken to officials at Darlington, we expect them to bring somewhere between 300 and 500 fans.

“A similar amount of FC United supporters came to Seel Park recently, and we did not need segregation then. We coped with the situation and will do so again.

“We do not expect any trouble whatsoever. It should be a really good atmosphere.

“People need to get to Seel Park at a decent time, though. It is pay-on-the-gate only, and we will have a maximum of five turnstiles in operation.”

The Lilywhites have no fresh injury worries, and have been boosted by the long-awaited news that Nigerian defender Hafeez Hamzat has received international clearance to begin his career with the club.

Hamzat (20) joined from Spanish Second Division outfit Real Betis at the start of the month, but has been kicking his heels ever since.




STALYBRIDGE Celtic host Blue Square Bet North outfit Eastwood Town in their fourth qualifying round tie. Kick-off time at Bower Fold is 3pm.






TONY Mills takes his Oldham Boro side to Atherton Collieries in the Vodkat North-West Counties League Division One Trophy first round tomorrow.



With a number of regulars out injured, Mills may opt to field some of his younger players against fifth-placed Collieries.




CHADDERTON’S first-round match is a tough home clash with Wigan Robin Park, who are top of the league.