Mossley return with Celtic test

BACK IN BUSINESS: Peter Brand

A NUMBER of unfamiliar faces will get a run-out for Mossley tonight in their opening pre-season friendly fixture.

The Lilywhites host Tameside rivals Stalybridge Celtic boosted by a number of new players.

They include defensive pair Jack Pritchard and Lee Wilshaw from Hyde United, striker Dave Short from Northwich 1874, central midfielder Connor Thompson from Rochdale and ’keeper Will Jones, who has featured for Stamford and Spennymoor during the last two seasons.

Mossley, who finished just outside the Evo-Stik League Division One North play-off zone last term, are also set to be lifted by the return of Mitchell Bryant following his long-term suspension, and Ryan Marley and James Blair following injuries.

Lilywhites’ joint-boss Peter Band is pleased with the look of his squad at present, though there are still set to be more personnel changes before the opening day of the league campaign.

Band said: “We’ve kept a lot of last season’s squad together so Lloyd (fellow joint-boss Morrison) and I are happy at the moment.

“We’ve had a look at quite a few things in training these last few weeks, but we will be employing the same formation.

“It will be good to get back into match action against Celtic. The lads are ready for a game now.”

There have been three high-profile departures from Mossley this summer.

Josh Granite and Rio Ahmadi have joined big-spending Trafford, while John Bennett has linked up with Curzon Ashton.

Tonight’s match at Seel Park kicks-off at 7.45pm.

The Lilywhites head to Congleton Town on Thursday evening, but have no match scheduled for the weekend.

The 2015-16 Evo-Stik League fixtures are due out on Thursday.

email: simonsmedley@oldham-chronicle.co.uk