THREE players could be missing from the CURZON ASHTON side that lines up at Stockport County tomorrow (Saturday) in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.
Defender Steve Howson and striker Jordan Wright definitely are definitely out. Midfielder Paul Marshall has a calf strain and is rated 50/50 by manager John Flanagan.
Former Fylde midfielder Richie Baker has joined the Nash from FC United.
HYDE UNITED’s long unbeaten run — which stretches back 18 games to March 7 — faces a tough test when they visit NPL leaders Warrington Town.
Jack Stockdill remains sidelined with a hamstring problem, and although Chris Churchman trained in midweek, it’s unlikely that he will figure.
Full-back Lawrence Hunter has signed for Colne and it’s understood that winger Adam Baker may also have left Ewen Fields although the stories are unconfirmed.
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC manager Steve Burr is able to welcome back defender Joe Garvin, midfielder Greg Wilkinson and striker Jake Charles for the home clash with Chorley. However, he will be without Matty Wolfenden (hamstring) and Lee Neville (family wedding).
New striker John Cofie, who made his debut as a substitute in Tuesday’s home defeat to Buxton, is not cup-tied and is available for selection.
Cofie, an England under-17 international who has been with Manchester United and Burnley, was recently on loan at Chorley.
Striker Aaron Burns and midfielder Lassana Mendes have both been released.
A seemingly never-ending glut of injuries means ASHTON UNITED travel up to face Northern League first division midtable outfit Newcastle Benfield with only 14 players.
Manager Jody Banim commented: “I’ve never known anything like it at any of the clubs I’ve been at. We have ten men out. But injuries are part of the game and we’ll just have to get on with it.
“At the end of the day you can only use three subs and we play two levels higher than Benfield. The 14 players I have are capable of going there and winning.”
John Pritchard broke an ankle in Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat of Lancaster and will be sidelined for four to six weeks. Tom Eckersley, who made his first appearance of the season when he came on for Pritchard, has damaged a hamstring. Nicky Platt is doubtful with knee problems.
Goalkeeper Dave Carnell managed to complete the Lancaster match, despite a hamstring injury of his own, and also misses out tomorrow. Ash Frith will replace him.
Banim added: “We had Newcastle watched on Tuesday and it turns out they like to play a bit. Their manager, Mark Convery, encourages them to play out from the back. I didn’t expect that. I thought they’d be a back-to-front type of team.”
DROYLSDEN, who are enjoying their best run of for many years, go to Lancaster City with a full squad.
In the Evo-stik NPL first division north, Jay Matthews returns for MOSSLEY’s home game with Ramsbottom after being ill in midweek. Caldon Henson and Adam Latham remain suspended.
Rio Ahmadi has returned to Seel Park from Trafford and the Lilywhites have brought in young striker Marko Basic on loan from Halifax Town.
Chris Baguley misses out for GLOSSOP NORTH END who face Kendal Town at Surrey Street.
Others unable to play are midfielder Jude Oyibo (training with West Ham), and defenders Liam Brownhill (suspended) and Mark Haslam (thigh). Centre-back Jason Hill will undergo a late fitness test.