Mossley in the mood to take Trophy tonic

MOSSLEY are brimming with confidence in the build-up to tomorrow’s FA Trophy, first-qualifying round tie at Spalding United.

The Lilywhites head to Lincolnshire on the back of an impressive run which has seen them record five victories and a draw in their last six matches.

Not only is a cup run a massive lift to the profile and prestige of Mossley, but also their finances.

They collected a cheque for £2,000 for defeating Bedworth United in the preliminary round and will pocket a further £2,300 should they win tomorrow.

“In the present financial climate, that is a lot of money to a club like ourselves,” said manager Chris Willcock.

Mossley reached the final of the Trophy in 1980 so it is a competition which is dear to their heart – so much so that they are laying on two coaches to visit a team which plays in UniBond League, first division south.

Willcock is likely to play the side which defeated Lancaster City 4-1 in the President’s Cup on Tuesday.

There is intense competition for places on the substitutes’ bench with striker Danny Egan available after completing a three-match ban and Nathan Neequaye, another front man, returning after a short spell at Glossop.

Jordan Goodeve has been unable to reclaim a starting spot after missing last Saturday’s goalless draw at Clitheroe.

CHADDERTON host second-from-bottom AFC Blackpool in the first division of the Vodkat North-West Counties League tomorrow.

“Blackpool have won their last two games so a win won’t be a formality,” warned Chadderton manager Paul Buckley.

Buckley will wait for fitness checks on John Rogers, Rick Sopel, Danny Bell, Matthew Walton, Louis Maynard and John Jones, who were all missing in midweek.

Ben Greenidge and Gareth Morris are ruled out as both begin three-match bans.

Chadderton reserves have a league match at Cheadle Town.

OLDHAM Town are at home to Staffordshire side Eccleshall in the first division of the Vodkat NWCL.

They will be looking to end a three-match losing streak which included last Saturday’s 5-1 defeat at Holker Old Boys in the Vodkat League Challenge Cup.