STALYBRIDGE CELTIC will be looking to put Tuesday’s disappointing home reverse to Stockport behind them when they welcome Vanarama National League North new boys Salford City to Bower Fold tomorrow (Saturday).
They will have to take on the Ammies without defender Aaron Chalmers. He was suspended in any case after his opening-day red card at Boston, but is likely to miss several more games after suffering concussion in a sickening collision with County’s Courtney Meppen-Walker. Youngster Peter Wylie is expected to deputise in his absence.
Bridge have loaned out defender Aaron Walters to Droylsden and winger Danny Burns to Skelmersdale United.
John Flanagan has four men out ahead of CURZON ASHTON’S visit to Alfreton Town. Simon Woodford, Danny Shaw and Connor Hughes are long-term injuries. Matt Flynn is at a wedding.
Striker Niall Cummins left the field with a suspected broken wrist in last week’s opener against Kidderminster Harriers but was able to play in the 4-4 midweek draw at Bradford Park Avenue.
In the Evo-stik NPL premier division, ASHTON UNITED’s only absentees for the game at Frickley Athletic are midfielders Matt Chadwick and Tunji Moses, and keeper Grant Shenton who sustained a broken hand in pre-season.
DROYLSDEN, who are away to Lancaster City in the first division north, have several players unavailable. Steve Lewis, Phil Clarke, Rob Jones and Carlos Rouse are all suspended. Ed Toner, Russ Courtney and Dan Grimshaw are doubtful.
“It’s not the best preparation for the first game of the season but we’re confident in the squad,” assistant-boss Aeon Lattie commented.
There are two suspensions for MOSSLEY who face Kendal Town at Seel Park: Tom Dean and Tom Pratt. HYDE UNITED are at full strength for their home clash with promoted Tadcaster Albion — the first competitive game on the new MX Trimension 50 3G surface at Ewen Fields.
Chris Willcock was tight-lipped about the GLOSSOP NORTH END squad travelling to play NWCL champions Colne. Fans can expected a few new faces and a few surprises.