STILL looking for their first Vanarama North win of the season, CURZON ASHTON are up against third-placed Nuneaton Town at the Tameside Stadium tomorrow (Saturday).
Midfielder Alex Brown returns from suspension but Ryan Brooke is doubtful with a knee ligament injury picked up in Monday’s game at FC United when the Blues saw a 3-1 lead snatched away with two goals in the last five minutes.
Simon Woodford and Connor Hampton are still sidelined with calf and knee injuries respectively.
Midfielder Scott Burgess comes into the STALYBRIDGE CELTIC squad after signing on a month’s loan from Bury.
Manager Liam Watson is down to the bare bones for the trip to Tamworth. Defenders Peter Wylie (knee) and Danny Wisdom (groin) were both hurt in Monday’s 1-0 home defeat by Chorley. Striker Chris Sim starts a seven-game ban following two red cards.
Oliver Crowley will step up from the bench for his first start of the season, and there is a small crumb of comfort for Watson in that John Shaw returns to the defence after missing two games with a neck injury.
In the Evo-stik NPL premier division, Paul Phillips and Steve Halford have a full squad for ASHTON UNITED’s visit to Ilkeston. However, Aaron Burns has a suspension on the way after his sending-off in Monday’s 2-1 home defeat by Colwyn Bay.
It remains to be seen how the players will react to Phillips’ harsh criticism after another faltering performance.
Fresh from their win at Salford City, HYDE UNITED are home to Mickleover Sports. Midfielder Elliott Harrison comes into the squad after signing on loan from Halifax Town.
Central defender Adam Jones misses out because of a knee injury, and James Burke and Erike Sousa are both doubtful with ankle problems.
In the first division north, GLOSSOP NORTH END are injury-free for their home game with Witton Albion. DROYLSDEN entertain Lancaster City without Ben Hampson who is still injured. Fellow defender Andy Langford is doubtful.
MOSSLEY go Kendal with three defenders missing. Lee Wilshaw is still injured and Caldon Henson and Tom Dean are both on holiday.