Lilywhites eyeing play-off push

Semi-pro football update

It’s been a promising first-half to the season for Mossley in the Evo-Stik League West Division.

The Lilywhites sit in a play-off position in fifth following a 1-0 win away at Kendal Town on Saturday.

Joint managers Dave Wild and Terry Hincks’ side are in a current good wave of form, unbeaten in their last five matches – picking up four wins and a draw.

The club are now eight points behind joint league-leaders Radcliffe FC and Atherton Collieries.

The Lilywhites' solid progress has been spearheaded by top-scorer Ben Halfacre.

The striker has netted 13 goals in 28 games so far, in his first season for the club.

Max Leonard has also been in sizzling form, making 25 appearances and scoring 12 goals.

Although performing well in the league, Mossley fans have been denied a chance to see their team enjoy a significant cup run.

The Seel Park side drew 2-2 with East Division’s Ossett United in the FA Cup Preliminary Round and were held to a 1-1 draw in the replay, before outscoring Ossett 4-2 on penalties.

A comfortable 5-2 victory over Clitheroe followed, before being edged out 2-1 by Kidsgrove Athletic.

In the Manchester Premier Cup, the Lilywhites cruised to a 4-0 win over Abbey Hey before losing 2-0 to FC United of Manchester in the quarter-finals.

The FA Trophy provided more cup misery for Mossley when they were halted 3-1 at home by Cleethorpes Town in the Extra Preliminary Round.

Despite limited cup success, the play-off hopefuls will be pleased with the promising league standings.

However, Mossley are yet to pick up a win against any of the top four – though that could all could change in a fortnight when they face Radcliffe.

The West Division side are next in action this Saturday at home to Market Drayton Town, with a potential win bolstering their chances of promotion.

Elsewhere, Avro (based at the Vestacare Stadium, above) are also battling to be promoted from the North West Counties First Division North, after an excellent first-half to the season.

The Limeside-based side are currently second in the league table, six points behind first-place Longridge Town.

Ground can be made up on the leaders if Avro win their game-in-hand.

Unbeaten in their last 13 matches, the team are in frightening form and are relishing potential glory.

Top-scorer Joe Bevan has been the club's star performer so far, finding the net 18 times in 27 appearances.

After crashing out of the FA Vase and the Manchester Premier Cup, Avro remain in two lesser cup competitions, with quarter-final fixtures set for next month.

The club will face Nelson in the Macron Cup on February 16, after battling Garstang FC in the Division One Cup on February 9.

Further down the league table, Chadderton are currently in 13th place after a period of sketchy form.

But manager David Fish's side have now won five out of their last six matches.

Chaddy fans will be hoping the steady form continues into their quarter-final showdown with Curzon Ashton in the Manchester Premier Cup on February 5.

The club sealed their place in the last-eight with a dramatic win on penalties against Droylsden.

The change in momentum has been largely helped by Ryan Shenton - who's bagged 11 goals this season so far, in 17 appearances.

More victories would see Chadderton stage a strong rally to the finish line, in the hope of ending the season in a respectable league position.

Their next game comes on the road tonight as they travel to Garstang FC.

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