Band urges players to raise the bar

RETURN . . . Dougie Carroll

MOSSLEY joint-boss Peter Band has urged some of his more experienced players to raise their standards ahead of tomorrow's daunting-looking trip to high-flying Scarborough Athletic in the Evo-Stik League Division One North.

The Lilywhites have struggled so far this term, and currently hover precariously just above the relegation zone.

They beat rock-bottom Burscough last weekend at home - their first league win at Seel Park all season - but were then dumped out of the Integro League Cup competition by Nantwich in midweek - a sixth loss in seven games.

This campaign has turned into a struggle after the previous two had seen Mossley challenge for the play-offs.

Band said: "Some of the players are just not matching the performances they were putting in last season.

"They're not hitting the same heights for whatever reason, though some of the lads we've brought in more recently have been doing well.

"We are getting there, but we've also been hit badly by injuries and unavailability in recent weeks."

Mossley's former Athletic striker Jordan Bove has broken a hand so may not travel to Scarborough, while recently-re-signed Sam Robinson has tonsillitis.

Striker Dougie Carroll has returned to Mossley, while Band and fellow joint-boss Lloyd Morrison are currently running the rule over Altrincham reserve-team front-man Harry Cain.

The Lilywhites follow tomorrow's trip North with an away fixture at fellow high-fliers Lancaster City on Tuesday, though the Dolly Blues have been rocked by the death this week of club legend Neil Marshall.

Marshall was just 31 and had been battling cancer.

Earlier this year, he retired from football after 10 years at Lancaster - making more than 400 appearance for the club.

He stopped playing as he wanted to spend more time with his family during his illness.

A testimonial match and dinner were held earlier this year.

The Mossley game is scheduled to be Lancaster's first since Marshall's death.

CHADDERTON will hope to build on last weekend's terrific 4-1 win at Holker Old Boys tomorrow when they host Charnock Richard in the Hallmark Security League First Division.

Chaddy have endured something of an inconsistent first campaign under new boss Mark Howard so far, having won six and lost seven of their opening 16 games.

They currently languish in 14th place in the table.