HYDE UNITED manager Darren Kelly has acted swiftly to bolster his squad which is badly affected by suspensions and injuries.
Chib Chilaka starts a three-match ban after receiving a straight red against Matlock, and Tom Pratt completes a two-game suspension for accruing too many yellow cards. Grant Roberts is injured.
Morgan James is a 19-year-old former Doncaster Rovers defender who was recently at Stafford Rangers.
Kelly has signed former Oldham striker Deane Smalley – brother of defender Dom – from Chester. Smalley’s career was badly affected by a cruciate ligament injury but he started out on his comeback at Ashton United 12 months ago.
Both should feature in tomorrow (Saturday’s) Evo-stik NPL premier division match in which the Tigers will be hoping to recover after two consecutive home defeats.
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC travel to managerless Gainsborough Trinity hoping to bounce back after a below-par performance in the 2-0 home reverse to Witton Albion.
Manager Simon Haworth will be without new signing Nathan Heath but has an otherwise fully-fit squad to choose from as the Bridge look for their first away win since New Year’s Day.
In National League North, seemingly unstoppable CURZON ASHTON visit promotion hopefuls Brackley.
It’s been a case of one in, two out, this week. Striker George Danaher has come in from Huddersfield while Jack O’Leary has returned to Bolton and Mason Fawns has joined Altrincham.
Mo Ali is ruled out with a small metatarsal fracture, Danny Racchi is back in the squad, and Danny Shaw has resumed full training.
ASHTON UNITED face yet another crunch encounter. They are home to fellow relegation strugglers Hereford. Matty Regan and Matty Chadwick both return to the squad and the only injury is Ryan Crowther.
Victory is vital for the Robins, especially after last week’s defeat at York.
In the Evo-stik first division west, GLOSSOP NORTH END have brought in Mason Duffy on loan from Mossley as they attempt to recover from their 5-0 reverse at Colwyn Bay by winning at Kendal in a drop-zone six-pointer.
Co-bosses Peter Band and Lloyd Morrison are hoping to make more signings in time for the up to Cumbria.
MOSSLEY, who reinstated their play-off credentials by winning at Widnes, host bottom of the table Skelmersdale at Seel Park with a full squad to choose from. Abdul Kadiri and Jes Uchebegulam have been promoted from the under-21s.
New Zealander Jack Pirie, a central defender, and midfielder Stavros Tserpes, and Australian who has played for Clitheroe and Radcliffe, have joined DROYLSDEN who are home to divisional leaders Atherton Collieries.
Steve Rigby returns but Michael Brewster is suspended and Dylan Smith faces a fitness test.