Boro handed Latics boost

THE Football Association has sanctioned a name change for Oldham Town who are to become Oldham Boro with immediate effect.

Athletic have also given their support to the newly-named club by providing them with two new playing kits as well as training gear.

Boro manager Tony Mills said: “It’s a marvellous gesture from Oldham Athletic who knew the plight we were in.

“Our sponsors would not allow us to wear our old kit and the offer of two new playing strips was an unexpected and welcome surprise.”

Boro are in action tonight at UniBond League division one north team Trafford is the first round of the Manchester Premier Cup.

Mills is planning to make sweeping changes to give some of his squad players a workout.

The likes of Callum Hannegan, Kyle Howard, Stuart McGill, Ryan Baldwin, Callum O’Sullivan, Damian Blundell and D J Ogunlade are all expected to feature.

“I want to see how individual players perform against a team from two divisions higher than ourselves,” explained Mills.


MOSSLEY are also in Manchester Premier Cup action tonight when they play Maine Road at Seel Park.

In contrast to Oldham Boro, UniBond League division one north side Mossley will be aiming to avoid becoming victims of a giantkilling act as they tackle opponents from the premier division of the Vodkat North West Counties League.

Mossley have recorded six wins and a draw from their last seven matches and manager Chris Willcock declared: “If you start making changes the danger is that you become disjointed and lose your momentum.

“I want to keep the run going so I will be fielding my strongest side as I don’t see the need to make changes.

“We reached the final last year and lost, so I want to go one better this time.”

Left-sided Sam Walker is the only injury concern after limping out of Saturday’s FA Trophy win at Spalding United after receiving a blow to his hip.

Willcock has signed experienced defender Tom Spearing from Chorley, who helped Colwyn Bay reach the play-offs last season, but has released keeper Faria Jackson, left-sided Matt Easter and utility player Gareth Wagner as he is unable to offer them a regular place.

He said: “You cannot achieve anything with 11 players and we need a good, strong squad.

“The ones who aren’t playing have to be patient and that is when man-management skills come to the fore.”


CHADDERTON are at AFC Liverpool tomorrow in a first-round replay in the Vodkat League Challenge Cup.

The Broadway side head to Prescot in fine spirits having beaten AFC Blackpool on Saturday for their first win in eight league and cup matches.

Manager Paul Buckley has selection problems with possibly six regulars missing so he will have to rejig his team.

Chadderton, whose win against AFC Blackpool was their first of the season at home in any competition, have fared better on their travels with triumphs at Barnoldswick, Irlam and Formby.