Mossley earn point after a day of drama

IT proved to be another eventful afternoon involving Mossley yesterday at Tameside neighbours Droylsden.

The chief talking point during the Evo-Stik League Division One North clash at the Butchers Arms came midway through the second half when Droylsden were leading 1-0.

As referee Alan Clayton was running to keep up with play with the hosts attacking, he was accidentally struck across the side of the head by a Droylsden player and went down. As the official struggled to regain his composure, Mossley regained possession and ran up to the other end of the field and scored. he goal was ruled out, though the Lilywhites did grab a legitimate equaliser later.

Mossley player-boss Peter Band said: “Alan was the referee in the reverse fixture at our place in October and he came off injured in that game too, with a pulled muscle! It was his birthday yesterday - though I think he’ll have to wait a few days before he goes out to celebrate. There was nothing he could do to get out of the way of the Droylsden lad. They bumped into one another and the ref was hit on the temple. Thankfully Alan recovered and carried on with the game.”

Droylsden skipper James Hampson gave his side a half-time lead, and Godwin Abadaki earned the Lilywhites a share of the spoils in the 75th minute.

Mossley’s scheduled home game against Glossop on Boxing Day was washed out. The Lilywhites host Ossett Town on Saturday.

Mossley have signed three new players: experienced central defender Kevin McGrath (30) returns to Seel Park for a second spell after re-signing from Evo-Stik League rivals Radcliffe Borough.

Callum Warburton (26) is a former Rochdale midfielder who has signed for Mossley following his recent departure from New Mills. And Nigeria-born Endo Chilaka (25) has also joined Mossley from East Midlands League club Holbrook Sports.


CHADDERTON’S Boxing Day home North-West Counties League First Division clash against Stockport Town was postponed. Chaddy travel to Northwich Manchester Villa on Saturday.