STALYBRIDGE CELTIC start their new chapter under the tenure of LiamWatson with a six-pointer against relegation rivals Gloucester City at BowerFold tomorrow (Saturday), and there could be a new face in goal.
Former Curzon Ashton keeper Josh Ollerenshaw has signed for the club from Colwyn Bay and is available for selection.
The Bridge players have been prepared for the crunch clash by first-team coach David Sullivan and skipper Scott Kerr, but they will be keen to impress Watson and his assistant Dominic Morley who will be in the stands.
Only Kelvin Bleau and Lewis King, both expected to be out for the rest of the season, will be missing for a game that Celtic must win if they are to avoid the drop.
Jake Hibbs has joined HYDE on loan and goes straight into the squad for tomorrow’s match at Vanarama North leaders Fylde. The Halifax Town midfielder has already been at Salford City and Droylsden this season.
Manager Gary Lowe may have to do without the services of Perry Ng who has given some impressive performances since moving to Ewen Fields from Crewe. The centre-back has an ankle injury. Andy Pearson is still troubled by the deep gash at the base of his shin.
Less than a week after resigning as manager of Stalybridge, Keith Briggs could make an appearance for ASHTON UNITED in their Evo-stik NPL premier division home game with Matlock Town.
Co-boss Paul Phillips said: “Briggsy’s joining us as a player, not as a member of the backroom staff. But his vast experience is going to be a help in many ways.”
Kayde Coppin, Jay Gorton and Mark Haslam are all out and striker Martin Pilkington is described as 50/50.
Trafford defender Steve Mason comes into the squad.
In the first division north, striker Sam Robinson misses MOSSLEY’S match at Radcliffe Borough with a badly bruised ankle picked up in last weekend’s game at Brighouse.
Co-manager Peter Band says Mike Fish is around a week away from a return. Defender Liam Gibson has left the club but Arron Hevingham has recovered from ruptured stomach ligaments and played against Spennymoor in midweek.
Band and partner Lloyd Morrison are hoping to make two signings over the weekend.
CURZON ASHTON and DROYLSDEN both have a free day tomorrow but play on Tuesday, away to Stamford and home to Brighouse respectively.