AFTER four league games without a win, CURZON ASHTON are hopeful of taking all three points when they head to North Ferriby in Vanarama North tomorrow (Saturday).
The Yorkshire side, who have lost their last four league matches, are virtual certs for relegation, lying 12 points adrift at the bottom of the table.
Curzon head to Hull without Chris Rowney who is suspended. Paul Marshall, who has been suffering from a heel injury for several weeks, is back in light training and may be available for the Christmas programme.
Manager John Flanagan says thigh-strain victim Tyrell McKenzie is likely to return to training next week.
For almost the first time this season, ASHTON UNITED should be virtually at full strength for the visit of Halesowen Town in the Evo-stik NPL premier division.
Lanre Olapede and Jack Pritchard are both back in contention, and Josh Granite is running again and should be available for selection in the new year. The only person still on the treatment table is knee victim Cavell Coo.
Manager Jody Banim said: “We’ll go fourth if we can beat Halesowen, so that’s a massive carrot for us. We’re not looking too shabby now in terms of players but we’re always on the look-out for more.”
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC travel to Nantwich Town still searching for that elusive first away win of the season, but manager Steve Burr does at least have the luxury of choosing from a fully fit squad.
New additions to the squad are goalkeeper Jake Turner (on loan from Bolton Wanderers) and midfielder Chris Gallagher (on loan from Shrewsbury Town). Both are in line to make their debuts as Celtic look for only their second away victory of 2017.
In the first division north, HYDE UNITED visit Prescot Cables for a clash of the titans. The Tigers have scored 11 goals in their last two matches while Prescot are unbeaten in their last six having won five of them.
Chris Sutherland (calf) is again Hyde’s only absentee. Winger Luke Porritt had some treatment at last night’s training session but is fit to play.
Tom Pratt, who has been attracting approaches from other clubs, has committed his future to Ewen Fields by signing a contract.
DROYLSDEN, home to Clitheroe, are effectively at full strength with John Shaw having recovered from a back spasm. Jack Rudge has returned to light training.
Matty Russell will miss the rest of the season for GLOSSOP NORTH END who face bottom club Goole at Surrey Street. The left-back has torn his quadriceps muscle from his thigh bone.
On the plus side, Michael Connor and Lewis Lacy are back in contention. Co-bosses Paul Phillips and Steve Halford are also hoping so sign a centre-half.
MOSSLEY have a full squad for their journey to Colne. Striker Ashley Leather has been signed from Cheshire League Wythenshawe Town.