Battling Boro’s helping hand from Robins

NON-LEAGUE FOTBALL:

OLDHAM Boro have agreed a link-up with Evo-Stik Premier Division side Ashton United as their search continues for a route back to more familiar territory.

For more than a season, the homeless North-West Counties League First Division side has been based more than 20 miles away at Atherton Collieries’ Alder Street stadium.

Predictably, support and revenue have dipped alarmingly but now, while negotiations with Oldham Council continue regarding a new base, the Robins, at Hurst Cross, have stepped in.

Boro chairman Mark Kilgannon said: “The idea came from our new general manager, Alan Oliver. He contacted Ashton’s chairman Dave Aspinall and explained our plight.

“We are fighting a huge battle just to keep the club going. Dave was keen to offer us any assistance he can.

“We have agreed a joint fund-raising effort, which is great, and Ashton’s programme editor has agreed to edit and print our programmes, as well as covering the cost.

“On the playing side, there will be a strong link-up, too. Promising young Ashton players, or maybe more senior lads needing some match action following injury, will join us temporarily, so that’s going to benefit both us and the players.

“There’s no question of any ground sharing, but overall this agreement with Ashton is very encouraging and will help us as we continue our bid to find a new base in Oldham.”