Derby encounter ends all-square

Photo: PICTURE: ANTHONY MILLER

James Curley (left), of Oldham Boro, gets above Chadderton’s Keith Melvin.

Non-league football:

DERBY day ended all-square as Chadderton earned a 0-0 draw at home to neighbours Oldham Boro in the Vodkat North-West Counties League Division One.

All eyes were on Boro striker James Curley, just weeks after he left Chadderton following two successful seasons at the club.

But save for a couple of long-range attempts which flew over the bar he struggled to impose himself on the game.

Boro boss Tony Mills felt his side should have been awarded a penalty halfway through the second period following a perceived push on Curley, but nothing was given.

He felt the final score was a fair outcome after a lack of clearcut opportunities at both ends, and added: “We were solid and Chadderton never looked like scoring, but then again neither did we.

“In many respects it was a typical local derby because we probably cancelled each other out in the end.

“We are both midtable and I think that was reflected throughout the course of the game. This season the teams are very close.”

Boro have now gone five matches without defeat, much to the delight of their manager.

Mills continued: “Momentum is very important in football and we have got that at the moment.

“We will try to keep it going and see where it takes us.”

Chadderton are eight in the table, with 23 points to their name. Boro, who have played a game more than their rivals, are 10th and have 22 points.



MOSSLEY drew 0-0 at home to Cammell Laird in the Evo-Stik League Division One North.