McClelland resigns from Mossley role

MOSSLEY were beaten 2-1 at home by promotion hopefuls Farsley in the Evo-Stik League Division One North, in what proved to be Gareth McClelland’s last match in charge of the Lilywhites.

McClelland resigned after the game and has taken up a coaching role with Blue Square North high-flyers FC Halifax Town.

Mossley secretary Harry Hulmes said he will be speaking to a candidate tonight and hopes to have him in place for tomorrow’s Manchester FA Premier Cup quarter-final at home to Abbey Hey (7.45pm kick-off).

He added: “When Gareth announced his resignation it came as a complete surprise, especially as our form has been good of late.

“I suppose what made it more of a shock was the fact he was leaving to take up a coaching role, which will involve some scouting, rather than a managerial position.

“But Halifax are striving for Football League status and Gareth wants to be a part of that.”

Nathan Taylor made his first start for the club against Farsley, with Osebi Abadaki demoted to the substitutes’ bench and Ben Richardson replaced the injured Ben McNamara.

The hosts broke the deadlock after 11 minutes when Mike Jones crossed to Tom Denton, who nodded home from close range.

The remainder of the half was a midfield scrap, although Denton struck wide before the break when he should have done better.

Farsley raised their game after the interval and within three minutes of the restart Dominic Krief netted after good work from Ben Jones.

And 10 minutes later the visitors got the winner, Simeon Bambrook curling home a free-kick.

CHADDERTON earned a 2-1 victory at Ashton Town in the Vodkat North-West Counties League.

Winger Paul Socha put the visitors in front with 18 minutes on the clock when his corner flew straight in, thanks in no small part to the wind.

Town’s Harry McGill scored a carbon copy at the other end after 33 minutes, but Danny Shaw notched the winner five minutes before half-time.

Socha’s cross found its way to Shaw, who poked home from six yards.

Chadderton boss Paul Buckley said: “I am delighted. We played some good football and could have scored more goals.”

OLDHAM Boro’s home clash with AFC Darwen in the NWCL Division One was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.