THE wintry weather looks likely to be the only winner tomorrow (Saturday). STALYBRIDGE CELTIC’s home Manchester Premier Cup tie with Salford City is in severe doubt, as is MOSSLEY’s game against Goole at Seel Park. Early-morning inspections are due just about everywhere.
Dispirited Mossley co-boss Peter Band commented: “I wish this bad weather would just go away.”
If the Evo-stik NPL first division north match does go ahead, the Lilywhites have no injuries and a full squad to pick from.
Eddie Moran and Nicky Platt miss out on GLOSSOP NORTH END’s visit to Radcliffe Borough, and long-term injuries Shaquille Clarke and Phil Clarke are still unavailable for DROYLSDEN who are at Trafford.
Keeper James Coates has a one-game ban coming up, but it doesn’t take effect until Tuesday, which means he will miss the Tameside derby at Mossley. Centre-half Dave Artell, a Gibraltar international, has left the Butchers Arms after being appointed manager at League Two Crewe Alexandra where he replaces Steve Davis.
Droylsden secretary Bryan Pace said: “We are sad to see David go but it is a great opportunity for him. Congratulations to him. Everyone at the club wishes him well.”
Centre-half Clayton McDonald, signed from Altrincham, made his debut in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Ramsbottom.
Bamber Bridge left-back Lawrence Hunter could make his first start for HYDE UNITED at Kendal. The Tigers have only one absentee, striker Ayrton Bevins, who should be fit in a week’s time.
Speaking about winger Ryan White, who was recalled by parent club Bolton Wanderers last week, Hyde boss Darren Kelly said: “Ryan could come back and play for us at any time. He’s someone we would like to keep involved.
“Ryan’s a great lad, a quality player, and in terms of his own development I think he would gain a lot by having experience with us.”
Central defender Harry Coates has been recalled by Bradford Park Avenue. Bradford have also signed Aidan Chippendale from Stalybridge.
In the premier division, ASHTON UNITED are away to Coalville looking for their third league win on the run.
Last Saturday the Robins beat second-placed Whitby 3-1 at Hurst Cross despite having new keeper George Dorrington carried off with a broken ankle after only five minutes, forcing midfielder Richard Smith to take over in goal.
Ashton dug in, and the only way the Yorkshiremen could score was with a hotly disputed penalty. It was heroic stuff but co-manager Jody Banim wasn’t in the least bit surprised.
“I was really please but it was only what I was expecting with our high-energy pressing game. When George went off, it focused us. It was how we played against Warrington on Boxing Day and it’s come from the way we train. Moving certain players out and bringing new ones in has galvanised us,” he commented.
“Danny Shaw gets better and better every week. He and Joe Connor are a good pairing. All in all we’ve got the makings of a decent side if we can keep everybody fit.”
Dorrington’s injury means Johnny McIlwaine gets the chance to make the Ashton goalkeeper’s shirt his own.
Banim added: “We’re going to stick with Johnny for the time-being. To be honest we were a bit harsh when we signed George because Johnny never let us down when he filled in for Richard Brannigan.
“We went for George because Johnny came from a lower level (Abbey Hey), but he deserves his chance in the team.
“Considering the way we dealt with Whitby, even though we had a midfielder in goal, getting a new keeper is a side issue now.”
Dorrington is expected to be out of action for at least two months. His loan has been terminated and he has returned to Huddersfield Town.
In National League North, Ian Howard returns to the CURZON ASHTON squad for the game at Telford United after being at a wedding last week. Goalkeeper Hakan Burton has fully recovered from eye surgery.