Plus points on opening day

FOOTBALL:

CHADDERTON and OLDHAM BORO both earned impressive away draws on the opening day of the new North-West Counties League First Division season.

Chadderton showed character in twice coming from behind to earn a deserved 2-2 draw at new club Hanley Town.

After a goalless first half Joel Stair fired the hosts in front, only for former Mossley man Matty Russell to level it up for Chadderton three minutes later.

Danny Tainton made it 2-1 for Hanley, before talented young striker Niall Sultan rescued a point for the visitors as he pounced to score with just five minutes to go.

Boss Tony Mills will be pleased with his side’s 1-1 draw at another new club, 1874 Northwich.

The home side were roared on by a crowd of almost 500, only for Boro’s John Greenwood to open the scoring on the hour mark.

But the visitors were pegged by a Mike Brandon strike three minutes later. Boro get their home league campaign under way tonight at Alder Street in Atherton, when they host Formby (7.45pm kick-off).



Meanwhile, MOSSLEY — who don’t get their Evo-Stik Division One North campaign under way until Saturday week — went down to two late goals in their latest pre-season friendly at home against Ashton United.

With the Willow Wood Hospice Charity Cup up for grabs and ex-Lilywhites boss Steve Halford now in the Ashton dug-out, the visitors won thanks to strikes from subs Chris Mason and Kyle Riley.

Mossley’s next pre-season fixture is a home game against Chorley on Saturday.