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DOUG THARME and Dale Whitham come back into the reckoning for CURZON ASHTON tomorrow (Saturday) as they look to extend their unbeaten start to the National League North season against Farsley at the Tameside Stadium.
Both have recovered from injury with midfielder Whitham being declared fit after successfully coming through a rigorous training session last night (Thursday).
Two players face fitness tests in the morning. Manager Steve Cunningham is optimistic that striker Darren Stephenson will come through but admits defender Matty Waters could be struggling.
Cunningham, who watched Farsley lose 3-1 to Fylde in the FA Cup in midweek, believes his side are in for a difficult 90 minutes but have what it takes to prevail.
"I came away knowing it'll be a tough game. They pose some genuine threats but if we can deal with them I think we can cause them problems. That's what we have to do because it's important for us to remain unbeaten," said the Nash boss.
He was also keen to praise striker Dom Knowles who already has four goals to his credit. Cunningham said: "Dom's a great guy but what really stands out is his work ethic. He's a really quiet lad for a player of his experience and reputation and has settled in right away. He's a breath of fresh air and it's like he's been here for ages.
"Dom's our talisman and if we can keep him I quite genuinely believe we'll have one of the best number-nines in the league. And I realise that's a big statement."
Farsley, who are managed by former Curzon coach Adam Lakeland, have one point so far — taken from title favourites York City — from two matches.
Winger Will Hayhurst could return after missing the last two games with a shoulder injury, but midfield could be weakened as Joel Byrom is a doubt having taken a knock at Fylde which led to him being subbed. Goalkeeper Steve Drench should return after completing a one-game suspension.
Lakeland accepted Tuesday's FA Cup reverse at Fylde but added: “I couldn't have asked any more of our players. We always keep going and we never know when we’re beaten."
Manager Simon Haworth is expected to ring the changes at Atherton Collieries as he looks to find a first league win for his STALYBRIDGE CELTIC side and get them off the bottom of the Pitching In NPL premier division.
Defender James Ellison has been brought to Bower Fold on a month's loan from Marine, but Haworth will still be without Keano Deacon (hamstring).
Newcomers Will Goodwin and James Helliwell both impressed last weekend, despite the 4-0 home loss to Buxton, and are expected to keep their places. Matty Makinson and Krisel Prifti are both in contention after being left out.
Mike Clegg says ASHTON UNITED could have as many as seven players unavailable as they welcome Mickleover to Hurst Cross following defeats by Matlock and Atherton Collieries.
"It's been horrific. I've never had a week like this before in my time as a manager," the Robins boss commented.
Veteran forward Chris Dagnall, who signed for Ashton earlier this week with wideman Matty Chadwick, is facing suspension after being sent off after only five minutes of the Atherton game.
HYDE UNITED'S home encounter with Whitby has been called off because of two cases of covid-19 among the squad and backroom staff. The Tigers next match should be at Mickleover on Tuesday, October 27.
Striker Antony Brown, signed earlier this week from Silsden, goes straight into the MOSSLEY squad for the FA Trophy second qualifying round tie at Marine.
Ben Richardson remains the only injured player as Dave Fish attempts to get the Lilywhites back on the winning track after four successive defeats.
The winners of the tie receive £3,000. The losers get £775.
GLOSSOP NORTH END have a walkover as they should have met DROYLSDEN who have withdrawn from the NPL.