Rebels snap up Radcliffe star

Source: The Bolton News

24th December 2008

FC United, who travel to Ashton United on Saturday, have signed Neil Chappell from Radcliffe Borough.

The 23-year-old left-sided player joined Boro midway through last season having scored 94 goals in 218 appearances for Maine Road.

“Neil has a very impressive goalscoring record from midfield and hopefully will be a very good addition to the squad,” said Rebels boss Karl Marginson.

Boro, meanwhile, go into their Boxing Day home clash with neighbours Rossendale United boosted by their Lancashire Cup win over Leigh Genesis.

Boro arrested a run of five Unibond Division One North defeats with a 3-2 home win on Monday night which lifted spirits at the Stainton Park club.

Ian Fitzpatrick gave Boro a flying start with goals in the sixth and 16th minute before Adam Roscoe gave them a three-goal cushion on 33 minutes.

It proved to be a vital contribution as Phil March and Chris Clements pulled goals back for Genesis in the 58th and 66th minutes respectively.

Boro director of football Gerry Luczka said: “We made hard work of the win, but the most important thing was we broke the sequence of defeats.”

Luczka was still hoping to strengthen his squad with possibly two additions in time for the United clash, and is in negoiations with Chorley captain Kieran Fletcher.

Once more Leigh Genesis have been hit by delays in moving into the new Leigh Sports Village Stadium, but hope to play there next month.

Fortunately Warrington Town have come to their rescue and will stage Leigh’s “home game” against Witton on Boxing Day.

But for manager Lee Merricks, just getting his team on the park is a relief after six weeks without a league game.

He said: “We lost to Radcliffe in the Lancashire Trophy but some of the lads had not played together before and it showed.

“But we have to take the positives out of the game and look ahead to Witton, which is a massive game for us.

“We will have three lads back who missed the Radcliffe game and as Witton are below us it is important we get points. We don’t want to be dragged into a relegation fight.”