Bryant is back

NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL: 

MOSSLEY were defeated 2-0 at home by Ashton United in midweek in their latest pre-season warm-up fixture - but the match saw the long-awaited return of hot-shot Mitchell Bryant.

The former Reading youngster was suspended by the FA until July 15 following an altercation with the referee after he had been sent off against Kendal Town last September.

Mossley joint-boss Peter Band is delighted to have him back in action: “He played for 45 minutes on Tuesday but it was great to see Mitch on the field again,” he said. “He’ll be crucial for us next season. We missed his goal threat last term after he was banned.”

Bryant has signed a new contract at Seel Park, as has influential midfielder Tom Pratt. But Pratt limped out of the Ashton game and could miss tomorrow’s friendly at Runcorn.

Mossley has also signed Australian-born front-man John Buceto, who spent time at Cheadle Town last season. Buceto scored in the 4-0 win at Congleton last Thursday.

Local non-league fixtures are now out and the Lilywhites and North-West Counties League First Division neighbours Chadderton both face tough starts to the 2015-16 season.

Band’s men kick-off on August 15 with a potentially tricky trip to Radcliffe Borough, before the opening home fixture follows in midweek.

On August 18 Trafford travel to Seel Park following a summer of spending, having recently won significant new investment.

Chadderton, managed byjoint-bosses Steve Patterson and Mark Cook, start their league campaign with a home fixture against St Helens Town on August 8. Chaddy host Runcorn Town tomorrow (3pm kick-off) in their latest pre-season friendly fixture.