“FREEZING” might be the first adjective on most people’s lips at the moment, but for GLOSSOP NORTH END co-manager Peter Band another F-word comes to mind — frustration.
The postponement of tomorrow (Saturday’s) Evo-stik NPL first division west match means the Hillmen have played only three games in 2019. And at the moment, the next match is not for another fortnight. Band, who is desperately trying to steer his side away from the relegation places, finds the situation hugely annoying.
“Without games we can’t build up any consistency,” he explained. “As things stand we don’t have a midweek match until March and we’ve only played at home twice since November 24. I don’t know how the club’s surviving.
“I really hope we can rearrange the Chasetown game for next Saturday because otherwise we won’t have another fixture until we go to Kendal on the 16th.
“My plan is to strengthen the squad so that we can start turning the draws into wins and get some points on the board before the run-in. But to do that we’ve got to be playing.”
As good as his word, Band, and partner Lloyd Morrison, have signed left-winger Osman Cham on loan from Halifax Town. The 19-year-old has just completed a month at Farsley Celtic, and in September was at Brighouse Town where he scored in the 3-0 win at Frickley.
Band says the player gives him an extra option, adding to the abilities of Pete Boyle. Dominic Marie and Adam Latham.
The Surrey Street squad is further strengthened by the return of Frank Jones from an ankle injury, and Zack Cooper after an appendix operation.
If there’s one club in the area who are hopeful of getting their game played, it’s DROYLSDEN who are looking forward to a day by the sea in Colwyn Bay. The Llanelian Road pitch is in good condition and no inspection is planned.
But they’ll have to go there without Luke Daly who has been generally accepted as their best player this season. The midfielder, who spent almost ten years in the Manchester United academy, has joined South Shields where he’ll link up with former Burnley team-mate Nathan Lowe.
As one observer put it: “The Bloods will miss him but you don’t say ‘no’ when the league-leaders come calling.”
Levi Phillips has been released, but striker Dom Smith has returned to the Butchers Arms for a third spell. Droylsden assistant-manager Aeon Lattie said: “Dom knows how we play so he’s right up to speed. He’ll be with us to the end of the season.”
Two forwards miss MOSSLEY’s visit to Kidsgrove. Max Leonard is unavailable and Szymon Czubik has gone for mediate cruciate ligament treatment at Stockport County. Steve Mason has completed his ban and is available for selection.
In the premier division, STALYBRIDGE CELTIC’s home game with Whitby has already been called off.
Midfielder Tom Brown has moved to Radcliffe.
Loanee James Poole is unable to make the trip to Hednesford with HYDE UNITED after pulling up against Marine last week with a recurrence of his hamstring injury. Tom Pratt, one of the Tigers’ most effective and influential players, starts a two-game ban for picking up too many yellow cards.
There will be a pitch inspection at Keys Park in the morning and fans are strongly advised to check social media before travelling.
In National League North CURZON ASHTON head to Hereford. Manager Mark Bradshaw reports no changes to his squad, and remains hopeful Danny Shaw, Connor Hughes and Adam Morgan are not too far from fitness.
ASHTON UNITED’s clash with Kidderminster Harriers at Hurst Cross has been postponed.
Loanee James Poole is unable to make the trip to Hednesford with HYDE UNITED after pulling up against Marine last week with a recurrence of his hamstring injury. Tom Pratt, one of the Tigers’ most effective and influential players, starts a two-game ban for picking up too many yellow cards.
There will be a pitch inspection at Keys Park in the morning and fans are strongly advised to check social media before travelling.
In National League North CURZON ASHTON head to Hereford. Manager Mark Bradshaw reports no changes to his squad, and remains hopeful Danny Shaw, Connor Hughes and Adam Morgan are not too far from fitness.
ASHTON UNITED’s clash with Kidderminster Harriers at Hurst Cross has been postponed.