ROBINS take on Robins at Hurst Cross tomorrow (Saturday) when NPL leaders Altrincham visit ASHTON UNITED.
Alty, who are nine points clear at the top of the premier division, beat Ashton 3-2 at Moss Lane a couple of weeks ago and have lost only once in the league since mid-September. It was a night when United boss Jody Banim felt his team failed to perform, and he would dearly love to impress in front of a home crowd.
Central midfielder Sam Sheridan will not feature for Ashton under the terms of the agreement that took him from Moss Lane to Hurst Cross. Nick Evangelinos returns after recovering from a hamstring strain.
Striker Deane Smalley came on for 30 minutes at Barwell and could take a more prominent role for Ashton tomorrow.
It remains to be seen if key defender Tom Hannigan plays for Altrincham. A thigh injury means he has not figured since January 6 and he missed last weekend’s victory over Sutton Coldfield.
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC travel to Stafford Rangers aiming to extend their unbeaten run to five games and also to win back-to-back away matches for the first time since April, 2016.
Manager Steve Burr has an almost fully-fit squad to choose from with only Theo Bailey-Jones (hamstring) unavailable.
In the first division north, GLOSSOP NORTH END will be hoping to end a dire sequence when they face Atherton Collieries at Surrey Street. The Hillmen have lost their last four games, conceding 12 goals in the process, and have not won since January 20.
Lewis Lacy, Paul Phillips and Gary Gee will all miss the match but there is a chance Ryan White may return.
MOSSLEY could be unchanged for their home encounter with Trafford. International clearance has finally come through for Matty Purcell but he has been loaned to Winsford United for a couple of games to gain some match fitness.
Callum Warburton, who suffered an horrific leg-break in a Manchester Premier Cup tie at Ewen Fields 16 months ago, has resumed training.
HYDE UNITED have a clean bill of health as they aim to continue their long unbeaten home record in the league against Kendal Town, a game that will be watched by Seventies striker Alan “Nobby” Clarke who will be a guest in the Pete O’Brien Lounge.
Manager Darren Kelly says he has no injury worries. Chris Sutherland’s return appears to be progressing well and Big Khamsuk should be back in the squad after being left out for the midweek encounter with top-of-the-table South Shields.
Alex Frost remains the only player unavailable for DROYLSDEN who cross the Pennines to play Tadcaster Albion.
Resurgent CURZON ASHTON, who have taken seven points from their last three matches, including a 4-1 victory over York last week, are away to Southport, a club with an almost identical record and only one point ahead of them in the National League North table.
Manager John Flanagan has two doubts: Joe Guest (knee ligaments) and Ben McKenna who suffered a foot injury against York and is rated as 50/50.
Paul Marshall has resumed light training after undergoing an injection to help with a damaged heel.