SHADOW SQUAD KICK OFF SEASON

The shadow squad kicked off their season with an impressive 5-1 win over Radcliffe Town AFC at the Brian Boys Stadium.

It is the first season that the shadow squad will be competing in the Manchester League Division Two against the likes of Macclesfield Town and Curzon Ashton FC.

It will also be a positive step in the right direction as the squad will now play every week with fringe players gaining valuable game time.

Saturday's game with Radcliffe Town also gave Brent Peters the opportunity to play several first team players who were lacking minutes on the field. Both Callum Hewitt and club captain Michael Gervin received important game time. Gervin who has missed a large proportion of pre-season due to illness was influencial in creating space and providing pin perfect passes for Oliver Hodgson up front.

Returning player Josh Walne also looked impressive in the attacking third. Walne was constantly causing problems for the opposition with driving runs down the flanks and delivering dangerous balls into the box from wide areas.

Josh Walne has been in impressive form since returning to the club

And Brady Boardman continued where he'd left off in midweek against Elton Vale FC with another brace. Excellent movement and overlapping runs created enough space for the versatile Boardman to get himself on the score sheet.

The shadow squad will be back in action on Wednesday evening at home AFC Monton followed by another home fixture on Saturday against Ramsbottom United Reserves.

After the game Bacup Borough Media had the pleasure of catching a few words with the First Team Coach Nigel Langley who was there overseeing proceedings.

Nigel Langley giving his thoughts on the game and pre-season so far

Please be aware that anybody attending the fixtures on Wednesday or Saturday will not have access to the clubhouse due to on going redevelopment.