Rebels goal star suffers ban blow

Source: Bolton News
By Liam Chronnell

FC United goal-machine Stuart Rudd will miss the League Challenge Cup final after his appeal against his sending off was rejected.

The 44-goal striker was handed a three-game ban after being sent off for the first time in his career against Ramsbottom United on April 7.

The champions appealed against Rudd's red card but the decision was upheld and the former Skelmersdale hitman will miss Thursday's final against Curzon Ashton, as well as tomorrow's final league game against second-bottom Formby and the first match of next season.
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"I am absolutely gutted," said Rudd. "It's the first time I've ever been sent off and I'm missing two of the most important games of my career.

Full-back Alex Mortimer is also suspended for the home clash, after which the Rebels, unbeaten in 24 games, will be presented with the North West Counties Division One trophy.

Seventh-placed Atherton Collieries will be looking to end their best-ever campaign on a high note when they entertain Ramsbottom United - one place and three points below them in the table.

The Alder House club, who have never finished higher than 12th before, are already 13 points better off than their previous highest points haul of 54, and Colls boss Phil Brown will be keen to sign off an excellent year with victory.

Atherton LR take on bottom club Stone Dominoes in their final league encounter while, in Division Two, Daisy Hill will be desperate to end a difficult season with a win.

Though safe from relegation due to the restructuring of the league, manager Tommy Moore is desperate for his young side to finish out of the bottom two. However, the New Sirs outfit will have their work cut out to claim three points at promotion-chasing Padiham.