DAMAGED knee ligaments mean that central defender Matt Flynn misses CURZON ASHTON’s FA Cup third qualifying round clash with Bedworth United at the Tameside Stadium tomorrow (Saturday).
Danny Shaw is struggling with a thigh problem but Jonathan Hunt returns to the squad after missing Tuesday’s game at FC United.
Left-sided defender Jamie Stott has joined the Nash on a one-month youth loan, while Connor Hughes has gone to Northwich Victoria on loan to regain match fitness. Andy Watson remains sidelined with a knee ligament problem.
Bedworth, from Nuneaton, are midtable in the Evo-stik NPL first division south. The winning side will receive £7,500 in prize money.
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC could field up to four debutants when they travel to Halifax Town in the FA Cup.
Defenders Keil O’Brien (Southport loan), Sam Tattum (Manchester City academy) and midfielders Darren McKnight (Morecambe) and Brian Summerskill (Glossop) have all arrived at Bower Fold this week as joint-bosses Steve Halford and Paul Phillips look to reshape their squad.
Despite the new influx Bridge have only 18 players eligible for the tie, and that number includes Halford.
Aidan Chippendale is injured, Sam Madeley is suspended, Matty Gillam does not have permission to play from his parent club Rochdale, and Adam Mather, Eddie Toner, Danny Wilkins and Phillips are cup-tied. In addition Graham Kelly has been recalled by Sheffield United.
In the Evo-stik NPL premier division, ASHTON UNITED are home to Coalville Town on the back of a run of three consecutive defeats.
New co-managers Jody Banim and Will Haining have a policy of not divulging team information, but Banim said: “We badly need a win. I’m glad to say we’re starting to get players back from injury and the squad is beginning to take a bit more shape and looking stronger than it was.
“On Tuesday we were down to bare bones. We had only 13 fit players and I was one of them.
“We hope to welcome back two players tomorrow and another five should be all right for next week. We’ll probably give some in the midweek Manchester Premier Cup tie with Curzon.”
Ashton have signed defender Dominic Smalley from Salford City on dual registration. “He had a pretty bad injury last year and was out for long time. But he played on Tuesday and did really well,” added Banim.
In the first division north, HYDE UNITED are home to Trafford hoping to build on their 4-0 win at Prescot Cables.
Home fans should get a first sight of Andy Bishop who impressed at Valerie Park. Manager Darren Kelly said of the vastly experienced striker signed from Southport: “He has a record that speaks for itself.”
Adam Jones is unavailable because of a long-standing commitment, and Dave McGurk faces a late fitness test. James Burke and Ayrton Bevins return to the squad.
MOSSLEY, who have lost five of their last six games, visit top of the table Brighouse Town.
Andy Keogh, Tom Dean and Mike Fish will all be missing but Kyle Harrison returns to the squad.
Defender Luke Daly is the only absentee for DROYLSDEN, who are home to Scarborough, and GLOSSOP NORTH END have a full complement available as they welcome Ramsbottom to Surrey Street.