FRESH from FA Trophy success against Warrington, ASHTON UNITED manager Jody Banim can’t wait to get to Buxton for tomorrow (Saturday’s) BetVictor NPL premier division clash.
“I’m really looking forward to the game as it’s against Phillo (Paul Phillips). He beat me last time so I’m looking to even things up,” said Banim.
The Robins have no new injuries and are expected to field an unchanged side.
Buxton are also showing good form. They are undefeated since losing 7-0 to FC United and have beaten Witton Albion and Hyde United in their last two matches.
Warrington face their third Tameside club in as many weeks. Having lost to Stalybridge and Ashton they now entertain HYDE UNITED.
Central midfielder Alex Starchenko could make his debut for the Tigers, having signed on a month’s loan from Guiseley. However, manager Dave McGurk has plenty of absences to worry about too.
Liam Tongue is suspended, although the break could give him time to overcome a knee problem. John McCombe, Oran Thompson and Kyle Brownhill all miss out again but are making progress and should return soon.
Sadly, Joel Logan is out for the season. McGurk said: “He needs an operation. It’s a huge blow to him and to us.”
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC boss Simon Haworth again has a fully-fit squad to choose from for his team’s rearranged trip to Radcliffe.
Bridge will be looking to bounce back from their midweek FA Trophy defeat at the hands of South Shields by continuing their steady climb up the table by recording a second consecutive away win.
In National League North, CURZON ASHTON have to go to Gloucester City without Mo Ali who is suspended. Lewis Reilly has an ankle injury picked up at Crewe.
Atherton Collieries winger Brad Lynch is expected to make his debut for MOSSLEY who face Prescot Cables at Seel Park in the NPL first division north west.
Another new face could be Raheem Hanley who has been training with the squad. Manager Dave Wild hopes the FA will have cleared the forms in time for the Hereford midfielder defender to play.
Long-term injury victim Godwin Abadaki is back in the squad. Ben Richardson and Ben Halfacre have both been ill but should be okay for selection.
The only absentee for DROYLSDEN, who are away to Clitheroe, is full-back Diego Lattie.
In the first division south east, Scott Kay is available for GLOSSOP NORTH END who face Carlton Town at the Amdec Forklift Stadium (Surrey Street).
Moussa Samassa and Joel Mills are banned. Will Holt is gaining match fitness at Alsager.