Sides set sights on semi-finals

Amateur football:

IT is a big weekend for Chaddy End FC and Rifle Range 'A' as both sides aim to reach the semi-finals of the Manchester County FA Sunday Cup.

Both clubs will represent the D and J Builders (North-West) Ltd Oldham Sunday League in the last eight of the prestigious competition and, with home advantage, will be hoping to make progress.

Range take on fancied Langley Rangers from the Middleton Sunday League at Oldham Edge (11am) and, following an emphatic win against a very good Grove FC outfit in the last round, manager Leon McGuirk said: "My lads are on a high and are really looking forward to the quarter-final tie.

“We really fancy our chances, as we seem to be getting better and stronger as the season progresses.

“Langley Rangers were beaten semi finalists two seasons ago so they know how to get there, but

I am sure our enthusiasm and underdog status will give us a good chance.

“It would be a great advert for the Oldham Sunday League if ourselves and Chaddy End were to move forward in the competition."

Nathan Eastmond has scored in every round of the competition so far and is in an 18-strong Range squad.

There is a 2pm kick-off time at Mabel Road, Failsworth, as Chaddy End play host to Manchester United Supporters Club.

In the absence of manager Danny Dorward, who is unavailable, Chris Cogger and Alex Frost will select their line-up from a squad of 18.

Chaddy End reached the semi-final stage of the Sunday Cup two seasons ago.

Cogger said: "We don't know much about the opposition but we go into the tie in good heart."



DUE to frozen pitches, local matches could not be played in the Oldham Sunday League, Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League, Lancashire Amateur League, Lancashire and Cheshire League and Huddersfield League.