Boss issues Chaddy rallying cry

Aaron Scholes (red shirt)

CHADDERTON FC manager Mark Howard wants the locals to back his players in numbers tonight as they gear up for the club's biggest game of the season.

Chaddy welcome Hallmark Security League First Division rivals City of Liverpool at the ARK Fleetech Stadium in a crunch Macron Cup (the league's premier knock-out competition) semi-final second leg tie.

The hosts are favourites to progress to the final of the competition having won the first leg on Merseyside 2-0, so Howard would love to see terrific backing for what will hopefully be a night to savour.

The Chaddy boss said: "This is a huge game for us so it would be great if the town really got behind us for this one.

"The lads deserve the support. We've been playing some great football lately and we're hoping this could prove to be a special night.

"I gather City of Liverpool will be bringing around 200 fans to the game, so it would be terrific if we could match or even improve that.

"I guarantee that any supporters who do come tonight will witness a great game of football between two good sides."

Despite Chaddy holding the advantage thanks to strikes from Andy Bainbridge and Matty Crothers a fortnight ago, Howard has still ordered his players not to get carried away.

He said: "Of course our number one priority is to make sure we don't get beat.

"We'll set up solid again and try and contain Liverpool, then hopefully we'll take a chance or two when they come around.

"It is about the lads being in the right frame of mind, though.

"It's up to me to get into them before the game to make sure their focus is right.

"There will be nerves in there, but the lads need to make sure they channel that nervous energy in the right way for what is going to be a huge night.

"Concentration will be a huge factor, too.

"We're in a good position going into the game, so hopefully we'll have enough about us to get through the tie."

Chaddy will be slightly hindered by the unavailability of injured pair Sam Gibson (shin) and Leon Iloube (hamstring), but 17-year-old Aaron Scholes - son of former Manchester United and England star Paul - will come into the side having impressed hugely in recent appearances.

Should Chaddy go on to reach the Macron Cup final, they would then play Premier Division side Barnoldswick Town at Fleetwood Town's Highbury Stadium on Tuesday, May 16.