IF HYDE UNITED are to avoid relegation, their best chance of picking up some points has to be tomorrow (Saturday) when they face fellow Evo-stik NPL premier division strugglers Ilkeston at Ewen Fields.
Until Monday, when they beat Whitby 2-1, the Derbyshire side had lost nine consecutive league matches in a run stretching back to February 20 when they surprised Salford City. The Tigers, who have only four games left, desperately need something from the encounter as anything less than a win would leave them relying on Whitby and Stamford to lose.
Andreas Bianga joins the list of absentees as he serves a one-match ban for being sent off at Mickleover. Also missing are James Burke, who completes a suspension; Ryan Ellison; Pavels Surnins and Adam Jones. All could return for the trip to Buxton in a week’s time.
Seven days ago ASHTON UNITED were looking certain to reach the play-offs but back-to-back defeats at the hands of Stourbridge and Salford have left it an open question. Although fourth in the table they have lost their advantage over Stourbridge and Workington and all three clubs are level on points.
The Robins visit Nantwich without defender Joe Connor, who has a hamstring injury, and Adam Morning who has been stricken by the virus that is doing the rounds. However, strikers James Dean and Craig Lindfield are available.
In the first division north, full-back Matt Russell misses GLOSSOP NORTH END’s home clash with table-topping Warrington Town because of suspension.
DROYLSDEN have three men unavailable for their short trip to Radcliffe Borough: Dan Parkinson, Dan Grimshaw and Rochdale loanee Billy Hasler-Cregg. A knee injury picked up in midweek rules Calum Warburton out of the MOSSLEY squad heading to Burscough.
CURZON ASHTON should at least be refreshed for their National League North game at Lowestoft as they will have enjoyed an overnight stay in near-by Great Yarmouth.
Connor Hughes continues to suffer with a chest infection. Matt Warburton is 50/50 after being laid low with the bug that has been doing the rounds, and goalkeeper Hakan Burton is a slight doubt with a foot injury.
Alex Brown returns after a thigh strain and defender Benito Lowe, son of sacked Hyde manager Gary Lowe, comes into the squad.
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC have no injuries or suspensions ahead of their home game with Nuneaton.