Magpies skipper hoping to be back for cup clash

9:15am Wednesday 20th August 2008

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Chorley skipper Kieran Fletcher hopes to make his comeback from injury in next week’s FA Cup preliminary round against Atherton LR at the Chorley Nissan Victory Park Stadium.

It’s been a frustrating time for the player, who damaged ankle ligaments in the pre-season friendly against Bolton Wanderers on August 2.

Magpies manager Tony Hesketh, who had hoped the tough-tackling Fletcher would be in the centre of midfield at the start of the season, said: “He’s a quick healer and he really wants to get back into action. He should be all right for the cup tie.”

After a 1-1 draw with the lively Trafford on Saturday, Chorley were visiting Woodley Sports last night hoping to record their first win.

It took a Mike Eckersley penalty equaliser – after the referee had ruled that former Magpie defender Billy McCartney had handled – to share the points. The North West Counties title-winners had grabbed an early lead after 11 minutes whe Scott Barlow, latched on to a long through ball and evaded keeper Zac Jones and a covering defender to score.

There were five debutants in the Magpies’ starting lineup, so it will take time for the team to develop cohesion and teamwork.

Hesketh said: “With five players making debuts, including Zac Jones, we had a largely new team.

“There were plenty of positives about the game and we will get better.

“Trafford were dangerous on the break and I was delighted with a point. I know we still need a stronger cutting edge, but we could have had more goals.”

Chorley have no match on Saturday but it will be reunion time when they meet Radcliffe Borough at Stainton Park on Monday (3pm kick-off).

Radcliffe’s new director of football, ex-Magpie manager Gerry Luczka, has recruited Greg Traynor and Tom Rutter.

Cabbar Bagdagi, the midfielder who joined Chorley last season, has left the club. He made seven cup and league appearances.

Meanwhile certain media reports have referred to the Magpies having signed a Mali-born striker Seydou Bamber, but the player has confirmed that his second name is Bamba, as in the popular dance tune La Bamba.

He is urging Magpies fans to sing it when they see him score.