WITH a clean bill of health Mossley are excitedly looking forward to Tuesday night's Robinsons Brewery Manchester Premier Cup Semi Final when the Lilywhites face North West Counties League Division One side Irlam FC at Seel Park.

Not having played since the 3-0 home victory over Ossett Town on 24th January, Mossley joint bosses Peter Band & Lloyd Morrison have organized some tough training sessions to keep the Mossley boys in peak condition ready for the tie, having included boxing sessions at Betta Bodies gym in Denton with the trainers who work with champion boxer Brian Rose as part of their preparations.

Mossley won the Trophy in 2012 and 2013 and were beaten semi finalists last season. This season, wins over Glossop North End and Trafford have earned this home tie against underdogs Irlam.

Irlam are in the lower reaches of the NWCL but have pulled off two shock results in reaching this stage of the competition by beating both Droylsden and Hyde FC in penalty shoot outs, so in no way can be taken lightly.

The Mossley strikers are in a rich vein of form at thye moment and joint-boss Peter Band has saluted the impact made by recent capture Porya ‘Rio’ Ahmadi.

Iranian Ahmadi (22) began his career at Sheffield United and featured in the Blades’ FA Youth Cup final team of 2011. After his release from Bramall Lane, the Manchester-based striker joined Lilywhites’ rivals Salford City and New Mills.

Band and joint-manager Lloyd Morrison snapped up the student from the Millers last month and he has since scored twice in three games.

Band said: “Rio’s been great for us so far. He’s fitted in well and he’s a character. He’s told me he’s going to get 20 goals this season. He already had 11 before he joined us, but he’s still confident he can get the remainder”.

The latest addition to the squad is goalkeeper Liam Flynn who arrives from Stocksbridge Park Steels. Oldham based Flynn will give Andy Farrimond some serious competition for the number 1 jersey. He has previous experience with Willenhall Town, Sheffield FC, Worksop Town and Goole.

Meanwhile, young squad players Eder Ruiz and Lee Wilshaw have been allowed to join NWCL teams on dual registrations to help gain them more experience. The players have joined Congleton Town and Winsford United respectively.

The next away game is on Saturday 21st February at Spennymoor Town and the club will be running a coach departing from Seel Park at 10.30 am. The fare is £15. Please book at the Office as soon as possible to reserve your seat or email info@mossleyfc.com.

The Semi Final against Irlam at Seel Park kicks off at 7.45 pm.