Sport

There has been a fair amount of discussion among the Oldham Athletic fanbase about the club’s financial situation in light of the fact that Micky Mellon’s transfer activity is strictly controlled this January – he needs to get players out through sales and loans before he can get anyone in.

Oldham made the trip to the Wirral on Saturday to play Hoylake, finding themselves on the losing side.

Well, here we go again, Manchester United have sacked Ruben Amorim, 14 months into his tenure.

Curzon Ashton’s miserable record against Kidderminster Harriers continued on Saturday, as a single goal was enough to see the hosts get the better of the Nash at Aggborough. 

Hyde United began the new year with a hard-earned draw at home to Ilkeston Town, with a brace from the returning Edy Maieco helping the Tigers rescue a point. 

It’s been just over three weeks since I wrote my last edition of City Watch, where quite a lot has happened for Manchester City.

Local children’s residential care and education provider Arnfield Care Limited has signed a four-figure sponsorship deal with Glossop North End Community Football Club, covering the costs of match kits and training gear for the Girls’ Under 12s team for at least the next two years.

Not for the first time, Micky Mellon is absolutely coherent with the Latics fans. In praising his side’s Christmas campaign-within-a-campaign, he said he wants his side to turn draws into wins, and to be “that wee bit more clinical” in front of goal. That is all it would take for Latics to be serious contenders for a play-off place.

It was a miserable start to the new year for Stalybridge Celtic as visitors Bury ran riot at Bower Fold, running out as 6-2 winners on New Year’s Day. 

Curzon Ashton rounded off 2025 in style on Tuesday with a 4-2 win at Southport, which took them to within two points of the National League North play-offs. 

Kian Harratt’s stoppage time winner wasn’t as dramatic or consequential as his winner in the play-off final in June, but he’s shown he’s ready to step up to fill the void left by Michael Mellon’s injury.

Both Tameside derbies in this year’s Boxing Day schedule ended all square, with Ashton United rescuing a late point at home to neighbours Hyde United, while Mossley and Stalybridge Celtic played out a goalless draw at Seel Park. 

Latics are making a habit of doing the hard and dirty work in the first half and profiting from it in the second, but this time came up short in an entertaining no score draw at Blundell Park.

Micky Mellon’s stock phrases are enigmatic. He says, “I know what good looks like,” but is reluctant to tell you or I what it means.

A perfect Michael Mellon hat-trick – header, right foot, left foot – was a wonderful way for Latics to end a momentous year at Boundary Park.

Hyde United were the victims of an upset in the final of the Manchester Premier Cup on Tuesday, with opponents Irlam picking up the trophy for the first time in their history. 

An exhilarating four-day event, the Tour accommodates runners all of levels, whether you’re a seasoned marathon runner or just entering the sport. If you don’t feel like tightening your laces and stepping out on the start line, there are still plenty of ways you can get involved.

An iconic four day running event in Tameside, The Tour is back on the race calendar for 2024, and this year it will be brought to you by Quest Events. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect summer plan, tickets for The Tour is now on sale - Make use of our Early Bird offers on now until mid February 2024.

Denton Town have been promoted to the Cheshire Premier Division, after a 2-2 draw against Parklands in their final match of the season.