Manchester Premier Cup final preview
CURZON Ashton ought to be the clear favourites in tomorrow (Monday) night’s Frank Hannah Manchester Premier Cup final. But their manager, Mark Bradshaw, believes the odds are stacked in Mossley’s favour. Even though the Lilywhites play in the Evo-stik NPL first division west, two levels beneath his own side, Bradshaw feels they are in a much stronger position to emerge as victors. He cites Mossley’s status as promotion-chasers, while his own team have faded into midtable; the fact he will have to field a weakened side because so many of his players are injured or cup-tied; and even the fact that the Lilywhites have much better record in the competition. They have won it four times since 2012, whereas the Nash last lifted the trophy in 1990. “It’ll be tough, because Mossley are more experienced than us and they’re also going very well while we’ve lost a little bit of focus. Because of the way things are with selection, I’ll have to field squad players but it’ll be an opportunity for them to turn out in a big game,” said Bradshaw. “There’s two divisions between us but that won’t amount to much on the night. I went to last week’s West Riding County Cup final where there was the same gulf between Guiseley and Ossett United, and Ossett won. “There’s no doubting that Mossley are a good side, but maybe the fact they’re going for promotion will work in our favour. Sometimes it can mean they lack a bit of momentum away from the league. “We certainly want to win, and if we do win, I wouldn’t want to claim too much credit as John Flanagan was in charge for the early rounds. I was only there when we played Chadderton. But I’d love us to do well for people like our captain, Jonathan Hunt, who have been at the club so long, and for the officials and supporters who have shown so much dedication. “Hopefully it’ll will be a good advertisement for football in the Tameside area. I fully expect Dave Wild and Terry Hincks to spring a few surprises, so I think the final will prove to be interesting rather than straightforward.” Mossley co-boss Dave Wild — a man who makes no secret of his desire to go far in football — is very keen to finish his first full season at Seel Park by adding the Manchester Premier Cup to his CV. He said: “Of course we want to win it. There’s no point in lying about it. Both Mark and myself are new and neither of us has won a cup so it’s a great opportunity for one of us to break our duck. “Facing Curzon will be a tough challenge. They’re a really good side but we’re not going there to make up the numbers. We want to get that trophy over the line. “It was brilliant when we beat Radcliffe in the semis and to actually win the Manchester Premier Cup would be even better.” The Frank Hannah Manchester Premier Cup final takes place tomorrow, Monday, April 15, at Hyde United’s Ewen Fields ground. Kick-off is 7.45pm. Weekend Non-league Football Previews
“WE’RE going to enjoy it and give it our best shot. We’ve been presented with a chance and we’ve got to take it and take it with both hands.” That’s Jody Banim’s summation of tomorrow (Saturday’s) National League North six-pointer at Guiseley. Victory would take ASHTON UNITED to within a point of their hosts with three games left to play. Seven days ago the Robins were looking certs for relegation. Now, following a shock win at Spennymoor, there is just a chance of survival. Could they mount the same sort of surprise late run that took them to play-off success a year ago? Banim continued: “We thought we were dead and buried and I’m sure Guiseley thought they were safe. Last week’s win has completely flipped the situation and we’ve gained some confidence. “But it wasn’t some sort of epic performance that came out of the blue. We’ve played as well before and not won. The difference was we took our chances, and goals change games. At Spennymoor we scored at the right time and throughout the season, whenever we’ve got ourselves in front we’ve done well.” Banim should be able to field a strong side thanks to the return of Luke Ashworth and Scott Kay. Speaking to the Wharfedale Observer, Guiseley co-boss Marcus Bignot accepted the importance of the encounter. He commented: “Everyone can do the maths now. If we win on Saturday we know how big the gap can be. A victory would give us significant breathing space. “But a loss is not the end of the world either, we will still be in the box seat. There are still a few teams below us.” Guiseley were in the headlines for off-field problems this week after Reece Thompson was jailed on a charge of committing grievous bodily harm. However, as the striker has not played since last September, the incident would not be expected to have an effect on dressing-room morale. In the day’s other big game, MOSSLEY face Trafford at Seel Park hoping to keep up the pressure for a play-off place in the Evo-stik NPL first division west. Even though they won 5-1 at Colwyn Bay on Tuesday, last weekend’s defeat at rivals Leek has left the Lilywhites with a very difficult task. If they are to finish in the top five they need to make up a three-point gap with only four matches left. Even so, co-boss Dave Wild remains in good spirits. “It’s not over until it’s mathematically over,” he commented. “I accept Leek have an easier run-in, and on paper Colne are possibly the favourites, but we’re not out of it. Losing at Leek last week was a bit of a killer but I’m still upbeat. “Tomorrow’s a massive game and for the first time things aren’t in our hands. Maybe we’ll get a little bit of a favour from Glossop and Droylsden tomorrow. Wild, who has almost a full squad at his disposal, has recalled Mason Duffy from Glossop. “We sent him there before Christmas to get match-fit and he has done. We’re happy to have him back,” he explained. Youngster Dylan Fitzgerald is out injured for the remainder of the season. Jesurun Uchegbulam will be allowed to stay at West Didsbury and Chorlton who are battling to avoid relegation from the NWCL premier division. Markel Foulds is unavailable for GLOSSOP NORTH END’s home encounter with Leek. DROYLSDEN are at full strength for their visit to Colne. Back in National League North, Olly Crankshaw returns for CURZON ASHTON who travel to Telford United. Lewis Reilly has returned to Crewe and Ryan Shenton begins a three-match ban. Janni Lipka and Grant Roberts are both doubtful for HYDE UNITED who entertain Bamber Bridge in the Evo-stik premier division. Tom Pratt and Deane Smalley should both be fit. Ross Dent, suspended after a red card against Whitby, is the only absentee for STALYBRIDGE CELTIC who go to Hednesford on the back of a run of seven defeats in their last eight games. Three points would probably be enough to banish fears of the drop. Weekend Non-league Football Previews IF some people cave in under pressure and others thrive on it, MOSSLEY co-boss Dave Wild is definitely in the latter camp. Tomorrow (Saturday) his side travel to Leek Town for a match that could have a huge say on who claims the fourth play-off place in the Evo-stik NPL first division west where both sides have 58 points from 32 games. Most people would find a daunting scenario but Wild’s reaction is “bring it on”. He explained: “People get a bit panicky but to be honest I’m looking forward to it. I went into football management so I could be involved in matches like this, so why would I not want it? There’s going to be two teams, two managers and two sets of fans really up for it. I can’t wait. “And if you think about it, is it really a six-pointer? The league has been so close, so up and down, this season that if we get beaten tomorrow I don’t think it’s a case of that’s it, the chance has gone. “There’s a month left — six league games and the Manchester Premier Cup final which means seven cup finals. What will be, will be. We’ve got to stay calm, be tough, prepare properly, do our bit and not be gung-ho. “I don’t think anybody in the world of non-league ever thought we’d be where we are at this point in the season. We need to enjoy it.” Wild says he has a full squad to choose from, adding: “We’re good to go.” Leek manager Neil Baker seems to be of a similar opinion. Speaking to Stoke-on-Trent Live he commented: “It’s a big game for both teams tomorrow, full stop, and my players are fully aware of the challenge ahead of them. “We’ve got a really big month ahead of us now and, to be honest, I’m quite happy because we are still in with a good chance of finishing in the play-off spots. “Every game is vital. Some results might not go as planned, but I’m sure that’s the same for the rest of the teams now we are getting to the business end.” GLOSSOP NORTH END are at full strength for their visit to Trafford, and the same applies to DROYLSDEN who are away to Ramsbottom. Jack Pirie and Dylan Smith have been released. In then premier division, STALYBRIDGE CELTIC — who have lost six out of their last seven matches — face play-off chasing Basford seeking to end a run of three consecutive defeats at Bower Fold. Manager Simon Haworth has a full squad for what is only his fifth home game of 2019. Midfielder Greg Wilkinson is back after injury and Ross Dent plays for the last time before starting a three-match suspension. Kyle Brownhill and John McCombe should both be back for HYDE UNITED at Gainsborough Trinity. Tom Pratt is also expected to play after suffering a reoccurrence of his injury last Saturday which caused him to be substituted. Deane Smalley, Matty Hughes and Ryan Crowther all face fitness tests. In National League North, ASHTON UNITED manager Jody Banim accepts that it’s looking grim for his side, but he’s still refusing to go down without a fight. The Robins, who have lost their last six matches were defeated at Leamington a week ago, which has left them seven points adrift of safety with only five games to go. “Mathematically we’ve still got a chance but speaking realistically it’s going to be very tough,” said Banim. “If we can win tomorrow, Guiseley lose, and then we beat them the week after we might have a chance. But it’s going to be difficult at against Spennymoor at Hurst Cross. They’re a very good side and in fourth place. “It’s a tough ask but we’ll give it a bash.” Scott Kay (suspended), Ryan Jennings and Luke Ashworth are all sidelined. Manager Mark Bradshaw picks from the same squad as last week for CURZON ASHTON'S home encounter with Leamington. Olly Crankshaw and Sean Miller remain injured. |
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