'We want to win it for Warby'

NON-league football in the area is rallying round stricken Mossley midfielder Callum Warburton, who suffered a horrendous double leg break in Tuesday night's Manchester Premier Cup tie at Hyde United.

Former Rochdale youngster Warburton (pictured), now aged 27, broke his tibia and fibia at Ewen Fields as he came off worse in a 50/50 challenge.

The match had to be abandoned with the scores locked at 2-2 after 63 minutes.

Warburton remains in Tameside Hospital, and was set to undergo surgery today to have his injured leg pinned.

Lilywhites joint-boss Peter Band said: "It was awful. Lloyd (fellow joint-boss Morrison) and I had to look away. Warby was in terrible pain.

"Everyone feels so sorry for him because he's now worried about losing his job and it's going to be a struggle because he's got a girlfriend and two young kids to support.

"We've already had a collection for him, Hyde have said they'll donate all the proceeds from the rearranged game (which could take place next Tuesday or Wednesday), while our club is hoping to stage a race night to raise some funds very soon."

Whether Warburton recovers sufficiently to play at semi-pro level again remains to be seen, but he'll be missed from the Mossley team.

Band added: "It's such a shame because Warby is so enthusiastic about the game.

TOUGH

"He is a typically tough-tackling central midfielder. He's our Roy Keane, so he's going to be hard to replace."

The midweek incident has taken the shine off what promises to be an exciting FA Trophy preliminary round tie for Mossley on Sunday.

Hosts Northwich Victoria share their ground with Witton Albion, and they are at home tomorrow, hence the date switch.

Andy Keogh and Tom Dean return for the Lilywhites.

"We're determined to got to Northwich and win it for Warby now," added Band.

CHADDERTON are in Hallmark Security League Reusch First Division Cup action tomorrow as they head North to Bacup Borough for a first-round tie.

Boss Mark Howard will be keen to see a positive reaction to back-to-back defeats which have seen his side slide worryingly down the league table.