DROYLSDEN will go down as one of the major giant-killers tomorrow if they can bridge the two-division gap and beat Vanarama North side Gainsborough Trinity in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup at the Butchers Arms.
Injuries to Luke Sharry and Lee O’Brien leave manager Dave Pace with a gap in midfield but he was hoping to make a loan signing ahead of the tie in which £7,500 in prize money is at stake. An announcement will be tweeted at @Droylsden_FC if the move takes place.
ASHTON UNITED must make the 150-mile journey to Northamptonshire to face former Football League club Rushden and Diamonds. The Irthlingborough side, who were once seen as a potential Premier League outfit, were wound up in 2011 with debts of £750,000. The new, fans-owned club plays in the United Counties League premier division.
Defender Joe Connor returns to the Robins squad but striker Chris Baguley is banned and Jay Gorton is described as 50/50. Alex Frost has returned from Curzon Ashton as part of a dual-registration deal to get him some match practice.
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC make their first-ever visit to Evo-stik NPL first division south strugglers Chasetown tomorrow as they attempt to reach the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round for only the second time in 12 years.
Striker Steve Tames is a doubt after hobbling off with an ankle injury in last weekend’s win at Alfreton, but there could be a ready-made replacement in the shape of academy youngster Darius Osei.
The second-year student made his first Celtic start in the Manchester Premier Cup tie at Abbey Hey on Tuesday and scored four times. He now has six goals for the season after scoring when coming off the bench against Nuneaton and Kendal.
Defender Danny Wisdom could be in contention after recovering from a groin injury that has seen him make only one start since signing for the club in the summer. However, manager Liam Watson will still be without striker Chris Simm, who serves the last of a seven-game suspension, and the injured Alex Mudimu.
Simm will be available for selection should the tie require a replay.
HYDE UNITED meet Northwich Victoria in a replay of their second qualifying round clash of two weeks ago which Vics won 1-0 only to find their goalkeeper, Mason Springthorpe, was not properly registered.
Springthorpe also played in the previous round, against AFC Blackpool.
In a compromise decision that seems to have satisfied no one, the FA ruled that Blackpool would remain eliminated but receive the £3,000 in prize money. Hyde and Northwich would have to replay, but the Tigers will keep all tomorrow’s gate receipts rather than sharing them. These are unlikely to present a windfall as admission has been reduced to £5 and £3.
The tie has to be decided on the day, and will go to extra time and penalties if necessary with the winners away to Marine on Tuesday.
Manager Gary Lowe reports no injuries in his squad.
In Vanarama North, CURZON ASHTON will be hoping to make it two league wins on the trot when they welcome Lowestoft to Tameside Stadium.
However, they will have to do so without manager John Flanagan, who is in hospital after undergoing knee replacement surgery.
Tom Eckersley misses the match with ankle ligament damage and is unlikely to return until November. Simon Wood has a calf injury but could come back next weekend.
Gary Burnett features again after a torn hamstring.
Kendal Town are the visitors to Surrey Street where they play GLOSSOP NORTH END in an Evo-stik NPL premier division fixture. Ben Richardson, Kelvin Lugsden and Danny White are all ruled out for the Hillmen.
Tom Pratt and Jack Bradley both return for MOSSLEY in the first division north for the game away to Scarborough Athletic.
Otherwise, however, there has been a mini clear-out with Jack Pritchard, Sam Howell, Ryan Hibbert and Josh Greenhalgh all leaving Seel Park.