Spotland set for emotional evening

Oldham and Rochdale fans will unite to remember Ernie Cooksey tomorrow night

Rochdale and Oldham Athletic fans are set for an emotional evening when the sides clash at Spotland tomorrow night for the first round of the Carling Cup, kick-off 7.45pm.

Ahead of the game both sets of fans will pay tribute to the life of Ernie Cooksey, who died earlier this summer after succumbing to skin cancer, aged just 28.

Cooksey served both clubs and was a terrace favourite among both sets of supporters. The midfielder made just over 40 appearances for the Latics before moving to Dale in 2004. He made 100 appearances for Dale before moving on to Boston United in 2007.

Members of Cooksey's family and some of his friends have been made guests of the football club and a minute's applause will be held before the game, while tributes to the player are made in a special edition programme. Oldham fans made a similar tribute before their game against Millwall at Boundary Park on Saturday but this cup clash is a chance for the two sets of supporters to unite in their appreciation of Ernie.

The two teams will warm up in specially commissioned tribute t-shirts, which will be signed and auctioned in the near future, with all proceeds going to a charity of the family's choice.

The most touching moment of the evening is likely to be at half time when Ernie's partner Louise will bring the couple's newborn daughter, Isabella Georgia, on to the pitch. Ernie passed away before his daughter was born.

The game is all ticket for Oldham fans and around 3000 are expected to make the short journey into their neighboring town. Meanwhile Dale fans can take advantage of reduced admission prices for the game. To sit either behind the goal in the WMG stand or along the side of the pitch in the Main Stand will cost £15, or £10 for concessions. To stand behind the goal at the Sandy Lane End will cost £10 and £8 respectively.