DOWN to the barebones ahead of tomorrow’s Vanarama North game at Stockport County, Stalybridge manager Keith Briggs has brought in striker Charlie Dawes and midfielder Michael Onuvwigun on loan from Chesterfield, and defender Brad Gascoigne from Tamworth.
Earlier today (Friday) it looked like Celtic were going to go into the match without a recognised striker in the squad.
They suffered a huge blow on Monday when Dom Calvert-Lewin, who averaged a goal a game in his time at Bower Fold, was recalled by his parent club Sheffield United. Briggs’s options up front were diminished even further when Liam Dickinson was sold to Guiseley yesterday (Thursday) and replacement target Marcus Carver instead elected to join Barrow from Accrington Stanley.
Briggs also faces a potential headache in defence with Matty Hughes definitely out through suspension and Kelvin Bleau and Stefan Galinski both facing late fitness tests. Nathan Heath returns to the squad after illness kept him out of Bridge’s last game, a 4-1 defeat at Tamworth.
Hyde have a new keeper for their home clash with Boston United, Ashley Timms having moved to Vanarama South outfit Maidenhead United. His replacement is Huddersfield Town loanee Ed Wilczynski who has also had spells at Trafford and FC United.
Manager Gary Lowe has no injury problems, Kyle Brownhill’s neck problem having cleared up.
Former Tigers full-back D’Arcy O’Connor will make his debut for Ashton United in their promotion clash at Ilkeston. A victory would allow the Robins to leap above the Derbyshire side who are currently second in the Evo-stik NPL premier division with 54 points.
The Hurst Cross squad is free of injuries. Midfielder Lee Rick is clear to play after suffering a broken nose against Nantwich last week.
Alex Brown returns from suspension for Curzon Ashton who face bottom club Belper Town at the Tameside Stadium. Simon Lakeland is also fit having recovered from a thigh problem.
Joe Guest completes his ban tomorrow and Simon Woodford is back in training and close to a return.
However, a knee scan has shown that Ryan Watson has a torn cruciate ligament and needs an operation.
Droylsden visit Warrington in the first division north with only one injury worry – Shaun Myler who faces a late fitness test.
Mossley have no game but are home to Irlam on Tuesday night in the semi-finals of the Manchester Premier Cup.
Glossop North End’s FA Vase fifth round tie with 2012 winners Dunston UTS has already been called off and will now be played on Saturday, February 14. The winners pick up £2,500 and go into the quarter-finals.