NEW signing Makhosini Ryan-Khanye goes straight into the ASHTON UNITED squad for tomorrow (Saturday’s) FA Trophy second qualifying round tie at Warrington Town.
The left-back, who has family in Warrington, had trials at Crewe over the summer. When he failed to secure a deal, he moved south and trained with National League South club Whitehawk in Brighton.
Alex Johnson is unavailable because of work commitments and Mason Fawns has what manager Jody Banim describes as a bit of a knock. Richard Smith has been recalled from loan at Atherton LR but cannot play because he is cup-tied.
Said Banim: “Atherton played Rick in the Trophy without our knowledge. We’re a bit annoyed about it.”
Considering the game, Banim added: “It’s not a tie I would have chosen but we’ve beaten Warrington twice already. We’ve been on a good run recently so we’ll go there with a lot of confidence.”
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC will be looking to bounce back after two shocking results when they entertain Rushall Olympic.
Steve Burr’s men were beaten 5-0 at home by Mickleover last weekend and then crashed to a 3-0 Integro Cup defeat at Evo-stik North Ramsbottom United on Tuesday.
Burr has moved to strengthen his squad by bringing in wide man Jordan Chappell on loan from Chester, and has promoted midfielder Josh Ramsden into the first-team squad from the reserves.
Matty Wolfenden and Liam Dickinson are available after missing the league cup tie through injury but midfielder Tom Brown faces a late fitness test after picking up a knock last Saturday.
Jay Gorton and Jason Hill both miss GLOSSOP NORTH END’s home clash with Leek Town. Centre-back Adam Jones is 50/50. Striker Lewis Lacy returns to the squad after injury.
DROYLSDEN face a long journey to Lincolnshire to take on midtable Evo-stik NPL first division south outfit Stamford.
The Bloods, who are unbeaten in nine matches in a run going back to September 23, will welcome back Alex Frost. However, Domaine Rouse has aggravated an old ankle injury and is ruled out.
Former Everton youngster Gerard Kinsella has joined Droylsden from Warrington Town. The midfielder, who has also played for Plymouth Argyle, Fleetwood, Telford and Hyde United, was part of the same Goodison Park youth team as Ross Barkley.
Scott Metcalfe has been released and has joined Ossett Albion.
Each winning side in the FA Trophy will receive £4,000 in prize money.
Defender Jonathan Hunt could make his long-awaited return to the CURZON ASHTON team for the home clash with Southport. However, manager John Flanagan rates Jordan Wright as 50/50 following the recurrence of a hamstring problem.
Paul Marshall’s heel injury is showing improvement but it could be another two weeks before he is fit.
In the Evo-stik NPL first division north, MOSSLEY will have to face bottom club Goole at Seel Park without Jack Tuohy, Elliot Harrison and James-McLean Oppong.
HYDE UNITED, who drew at Colne in midweek after squandering a 2-0 lead, are home to Ossett Albion as they look to extend their 21-game unbeaten league run which stretches back into last season.
Ryan Ellison and Chris Sutherland will again miss out although Sutherland trained last night and is thought to be close to a comeback. Luke Porritt, who had to come off at Colne, also trained and should be able to play.
Tom Pratt needed treatment for a sore shoulder. He faces a late fitness test but should be okay.