Weekend Previews
IT’S full squads all round tomorrow (Saturday) as the Easter non-league football programme enters its second day. In the Evo-stik NPL first division north, Mitchell Bryant travels to Kendal with MOSSLEY having missed last weekend’s defeat by Colwyn Bay. DROYLSDEN (home to Lancaster) and GLOSSOP NORTH END (home to Colne) are both able to prepare without any injuries or suspensions. The Bloods, unbeaten in their last three games, test the strength of their revival against second-placed Lancaster. As they managed to draw 1-1 at leaders Farsley on April 1, they ought to go into the match with some confidence. However, it’s much harder to judge the mood of the Hillmen, who went down 7-2 at Prescot Cables last week. They badly need something from their clash with third-placed Colne if they are to finish in the play-off slots. Big Khamsuk should reclaim his place in the HYDE UNITED line-up after illness last weekend and being an unused sub against Clitheroe. Youngsters Louis Holt and Tunde Owolabi have been drafted into the squad for the trip to Tadcaster. This afternoon, the reserves beat Ashton United 3-1 with goals from Owolabe, Oliver Ford and Ross Aikenhead to win the Lancashire League South championship. Off the field, the Tigers have had a point deducted by the Northern Premier League’s disciplinary panel, and been fined £100, for fielding James Burke against Ossett Town on October 29 when he was ineligible to play. In the premier division, ASHTON UNITED are expecting a large crowd for their home game with the league champions. Blyth Spartans are expected to bring at least four coachloads of fans. Although the Geordies have to be hot favourites, Robins co-boss Jody Banim is hoping his side can spring a surprise. “If we can turn Blyth over and win our last three games, that would leave us only eight points off what we managed last year. To get 72 points would be impressive considering the season we’ve had with its ups and downs and the need to build a team halfway through,” said Banim. Midfielder Charlie Duke will be available to Ashton for the rest of the campaign. Banim explained: “After we’ve finished, he’ll go back to Torquay, who’ll have another week to go. He’ll train with them and see if he gets a deal. But that could depend on whether they can manage to avoid relegation.” After a week in which they beat Fylde and Kidderminster in National League North, manager Steve Burr says STALYBRIDGE CELTIC are at full strength and raring to go for their game against Gloucester City at Cheltenham Town. Another win could put the Bridge — who have taken ten points from the last 12 — within two points of safety with four matches left to play. Easter Monday fixtures National League North: Salford City v Curzon Ashton, Stalybridge Celtic v Chorley. Evo-stik premier division: Warrington Town v Ashton United. Evo-stik first division north: Hyde United v Droylsden, Mossley v Glossop North End. CURZON ASHTON have no injury problems going into tomorrow (Good Friday’s) home encounter with relegated Altrincham in National League North.
Long-term absentees Matt Flynn (torn knee cartilage) and Iain Howard (pelvic strain) are the only men missing. The game is an afternoon kick-off starting at 3pm. Weekend Previews
CURZON ASHTON will have to finish the season without Jamie Stott who has been recalled by Oldham Athletic. Sad to see the on-loan defender leave, manager John Flanagan said: “We’ll definitely miss him. I’d like to wish Jamie all the best and thank him for having a fantastic attitude and level of commitment. He’s a top lad.” James Baillie comes back for the Nash — who are away to Worcester City in National League North tomorrow (Saturday) — having recovered from a slight groin strain. Andy Watson has been recalled from Mossley. A scan has shown Matt Flynn has torn knee cartilage and will need surgery. A pelvic strain continues to rule out Iain Howard. STALYBRIDGE CELTIC embark on the next step of Mission Impossible when they entertain champions-elect Fylde. Steve Burr’s men kept their faint survival hopes alive with an impressive 2-0 victory at Alfreton on Tuesday, but they will have their work cut out as they attempt to record the win they desperately need. Fylde are not only nine points clear at the top of the table, they have scored 99 league goals so far. Celtic could have defender Matty Regan (hamstring) and midfielder Keano Deacon (foot) available, but both face late fitness tests. Forward Danny Wilkins missed Tuesday’s win but is fit to face Fylde. Like their neighbours Curzon, ASHTON UNITED have lost a loan defender. Max Cartwright has been recalled by Stockport County. Co-boss Jody Banim said: “A week after Scunthorpe called back Jack Dyche, Max is leaving us too. It’s a pity because he’s been great for us. Will (Haining) and I wish him all the best. “Stockport have got some injuries and need Max for the bench as they go into the run-in because they’ve got a chance of making the play-offs. They’re bolstering their squad until the end of the season. It’s a shame ours is further depleted.” The Robins aware away to third-placed Nantwich in the Evo-stik NPL premier division tomorrow and Banim accepts it will be a very tough game. “Nantwich are flying at the minute and they’re one of the best teams we’ve come up against this season. But knowing us, we might just rise to the occasion,” commented Banim. In the first division north, HYDE UNITED are home to Clitheroe and will be looking to make it four wins from their last five league games. Manager Darren Kelly has a full squad at his disposal for his quest to take maximum points from the Tigers’ final six matches, two of which have already been won. James Burke comes back into the reckoning after being ill last week. Striker Ayrton Bevins has been released and, in a move that might surprise some fans, so has Jamal Branker who had shown good scoring form when he got a run in the side in February. Mitchell Bryant, James Blair and Caldon Henson return to MOSSLEY’s squad for the game against Colwyn Bay at Seel Park. Andy Watson and Danny Stapleton miss out. After a 6-1 defeat of Ossett Town, and a 1-1 draw at table-topping Farsley, in-form DROYLSDEN are away to Ossett Town. Scott Metcalfe and Steve Hall are the only absentees. GLOSSOP NORTH END will be at full strength for their visit to Prescot Cables where they hope to cement their play-off credentials. |
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