Lilywhites look to hit back

NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL: MOSSLEY look to recover from their FA Cup heartache when they host neighbours Curzon Ashton tonight in the Evo-Stik League President’s Cup first round (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Lilywhites, who lost 6-2 to Darlington, have no fresh injury worries despite an energy-sapping encounter which saw them finish with eight men, after Chris Rowney, Steve Settle and Peter Collinge were dismissed.

Matches are arriving thick and fast for Shaun Higgins’ team — Curzon visited Seel Park a week ago, and left with the bragging rights after a 3-2 Manchester Premier Cup win.

Mossley have not played a league game since their 2-1 win over Garforth Town on September 28, and aren’t due another until Tuesday, November 2, when they travel to Ossett Albion.

With various cup commitments, boss Shaun Higgins has been spinning plates.

But after tasting defeat last time out, Higgins can’t wait for the action to get back under way.

He said: “It is difficult playing so many games because we try to keep players as fresh as possible and shuffle the pack when we can.

“But after losing to Darlington we want to get back to winning ways.

“The Curzon game gives us an opportunity to get back out there and go on a run. Hopefully we can do that.”


OLDHAM Boro host table-topping Wigan Robin Park in the Vodkat North-West Counties League Division One tonight (7.45pm).
Boro manager Tony Mills welcomes back Tom Hughes (ankle) and Matthew Whittingham (knee), and could hand a first appearance of the season to Darren Scanlon, who has missed the start of the campaign due to a persistent knee injury.

“It is going to be difficult playing against the side who are top of the division, but we will give them a game without a doubt,” said Mills.

“We have been short on firepower so if Darren can prove his fitness, he will give us a big boost.

“We lose him to army duties mid-November, so we want to make the most of him.”