STALYBRIDGE CELTIC make their first visit to the Tameside Stadium on Boxing Day hoping to build on their fine second-half display in last weekend’s 4-2 win at Hednesford Town as they face neighbours Curzon Ashton.
Manager Liam Watson has received an early Christmas present with the news that midfielder Danny Wisdom is fit. Alex Mudimu returns after a three-match ban.
Leading scorer Jack Higgins faces a late fitness test but winger Ben McKenna will miss out again through injury.
CURZON ASHTON have a full squad available. Ben Atkinson has joined Evo-stik NPL side Brighouse Town on a dual registration to get some game time.
In the Evo-stik premier division there’s a throwback to the days of the old Cheshire League when ASHTON UNITED host Hyde United at Hurst Cross.
The Robins’ only absentee is Matt Chadwick. Josh Steadman comes into the squad.
Andy Pearson and Reece Gray return for HYDE UNITED having completed three-game suspensions for being sent off at Ilkeston. However, Ryan Ellison, Sam Fitton and Jordan Snodin are all injured.
Manager Gary Lowe has defended his decision to play three up front in the 3-1 defeat by Darlington when many fans felt the Tigers; midfield was overrun.
“I did it because of the players I had available and because I felt it was our best option. We had already beaten Darlington at their place in the league and FA Cup, and we did that by getting at them. I felt our best chance of winning was to do the same at Ewen Fields,” the Hyde manager explained.
In the first division north, MOSSLEY are home to a full-strength GLOSSOP NORTH END. For the Lilywhites, Andy Keogh and Michael Thomas return from suspension. Lee Wilshaw is back after an ankle injury.
Resurgent DROYLSDEN, now 15th in the table, are away to Radcliffe Borough.
Fixtures for Monday, December 28.
Vanarama North: Fylde v Curzon Ashton, Stalybridge Celtic v Stockport County.
Evo-stik NPL premier division: Colwyn Bay v Ashton United, Hyde United v Salford City.
First division north: Droylsden v Mossley, Glossop North End v New Mills.