CONNOR DIMAIO is CURZON ASHTON’S major doubt as they prepare to visit holders AFC Fylde in the first round of the FA Trophy tomorrow (Saturday).
The Stockport County midfielder — whose arrival with striker Chris Jolley has coincided with a stunning turnaround in form where the Nash have gone five games unbeaten without conceding a goal — has a knee injury.
Both men are approaching the end of their initial month-long loan period and it remains to be seen if they will be allowed to stay longer at the Tameside Stadium.
Otherwise Josh Askew is ill and Mo Ali remains on international duty in the CECAFA Cup in Uganda.
Speaking to the Blackpool Gazette about Fylde’s chances, manager Jim Bentley said: “James Montgomery is still out but Kurt Willoughby has been training without doing any of the rehab stuff, so that’s a positive.”
Ryan Croasdale and Scott Duxbury both have knee problems, while former Ashton United midfielder Matty Kosylo has a groin strain. Danny Philliskirk will definitely be in the squad.
The winning side will receive £6,000 in prize money.
In the BetVictor NPL premier division, STALYBRIDGE CELTIC travel to second-placed Lancaster City with a fully-fit squad.
The Dolly Blues have the only unbeaten record in the division but Simon Howarth’s side will be full of confidence as they look for their seventh win in a row.
Striker Chris Sharp misses HYDE UNITED’s home clash with bottom club Gainsborough Trinity as he starts a three-match ban incurred for a straight red at Atherton Collieries last week.
Tom Pratt faces a fitness test having missed training last night (Thursday) because of illness.
Central defender Luis Morrison and midfielder Jordan Wynne have been released.
Weather-permitting, ASHTON UNITED take on fellow strugglers Stafford Rangers at Hurst Cross where new manager
Mike Clegg continues to refashion the squad as he looks for his first victory since taking charge a fortnight ago.
Clegg reports no injuries but central midfielder Tom Field has been released.
In the first division south-east, GLOSSOP NORTH END are hoping to build on last week’s victory at Lincoln United by beating fourth-placed Ilkeston at Surrey Street.
Rio Ahmadi, Keenan Quansah and Bevan Burey return to the squad after missing the match at Ashby Avenue.
Fresh from their victory over Marske, DROYLSDEN go to Ramsbottom in the first division north-west with a full squad.
This week it’s MOSSLEY’s turn to face Marske. They head to the North Yorkshire coast without striker Ben Halfacre who is suspended after being sent off against Dunston.
On the loans front, Chester keeper Theo Roberts’s spell has been extended until the end of the season. Big defender Jack Grundy comes in from Oldham Athletic.