Mossley reject cup-tie switch

MOSSLEY have rejected a request from Curzon Ashton to put back this weekend’s FA Cup third qualifying round match by 24 hours to Sunday.

Curzon made the approach to avoid a clash with Stalybridge Celtic and Droylsden, who both have home FA Cup ties on Saturday, while there are also televised World Cup qualifiers that same afternoon.

Curzon officials also preferred Sunday because the clubhouse will be out of bounds to football spectators on Saturday because of a wedding which had been booked some time ago.

While Mossley directors did not oppose a switch, manager Chris Willcock was against the change.

Willcock said: “I did not want to play on the Sunday because I have family commitments and see no need to switch the game.

“We will gain no benefit from a change and I am more than happy with a 3pm kick off on Saturday.”

Mossley are at home to Bamber Bridge tonight (7.45) in a clash of two teams challenging for promotion from the UniBond League first division north.

Bridge are top of the table while Mossley are fifth, but have played fewer matches than all of the four teams above them.

Willcock believes it will be an intriguing game after both teams suffered hefty defeats in the preliminary round of the FA Trophy on Saturday.

Mossley conceded four goals in the last seven minutes as they crashed to a 5-1 home defeat against Stocksbridge Park Steels while Bridge lost 5-3 at Sheffield.

Willcock said: “We will both be looking to get back on track and both managers will be seeking a positive response from the players.”

Meanwhile, Mossley have picked up a prize after winning the division’s Fair Play award for September.

NATHAN EASTMOND has returned to Rochdale Town after a brief and bizarre spell at OLDHAM TOWN.

Winger Eastmond contacted Town manager Tony Mills early in the season to express a desire to leave Rochdale and he was subsequently signed.

But he only played for 15 minutes and was unable to command a regular first-team place.

While registered at Oldham Town, Eastmond played in a friendly for Atherton LR without the knowledge of the Whitebank Stadium officials, something which has resulted in Atherton being reported to the Football Association for an illegal approach.

Town have been drawn away to Bootle in the second round proper of the FA Vase on Saturday, November 15.

And it is a case of familiar opponents as both teams are in the first division of the Vodkat North West Counties League.