CHORLEY might be the unbeaten leaders of National League North but that won’t stop ASHTON UNITED setting out to win when the two sides meet at Hurst Cross tomorrow (Saturday).
Robins manager Jody Banim sees no reason why his team can’t spring a surprise even though the Magpies have won seven of their eight league matches and have only conceded three goals while scoring 15.
“I think we can do something, most definitely. I don’t see why not,” said Banim. “We got into every game looking to win.
“Chorley are a difficult team to predict because they can play a few different ways. They can sit deep or they can press high. We’ll have to see what sort of team they pick and then assess a plan.”
Banim has brought in two defenders to shore up a back line which has conceded 19 goals. Luke Ashworth comes in from FC United and Jak Hickman has been signed on loan from Stockport County.
“We need to be more solid as a defensive unit. When you’re letting in as many goals as we are you have to try something different,” added Banim.
John Flanagan has two injury doubts as he tries to rally his CURZON ASHTON side after last week’s disappointing home defeat at the hands of bottom club Nuneaton.
The Nash head to Altrincham with Danny Shaw (knee) and Alex Samizadeh (hip) rated 50/50.
In the first qualifying round of the FA Cup, STALYBRIDGE CELTIC must visit unbeaten Radcliffe without the services of Jake Turner.
The goalkeeper, who has impressed since joining the Bridge on a season-long loan from Bolton Wanderers, broke a wrist during the warm-up for Tuesday’s defeat by South Shields. He played the full 90 minutes before finding out he had sustained a fracture. He is expected to be out for six to eight weeks.
Manager Simon Haworth has moved quickly to plug the gap, taking Bolton youngster James Aspinall on a work-experience loan.
Celtic’s only other absentee is influential midfielder Greg Wilkinson who has a damaged hip.
MOSSLEY, who beat Ossett United on penalties in midweek, travel to Clitheroe. Dieter Downey is suspended after being controversially sent off against Ramsbottom last Saturday. Steve Mason is eligible to play and Logan Jeffs returns to the squad.
Astley Mulholland misses HYDE UNITED’s game as his loan agreement from Barrow does not allow him to play in the FA Cup. Otherwise, the Tigers have a full squad for what will be a tough tie at Colne who are joint top of the Evo-stik NPL first division west with maximum points from four matches.
In the NPL, GLOSSOP NORTH END face Skelmersdale at Surrey Street still looking for their first win of the season.
Co-bosses Mark Canning and Andy Bishop were looking to make two loan signings in time for the game. Canning said: “We need to strengthen in certain areas.” The Hillmen have no injury worries.
DROYLSDEN, who have no game tomorrow, have signed 29-year-old midfielder Javan Vidal from Bradford Park Avenue. The former England under-19 and under-20 international began his career at Manchester City, and has had spells with Stockport County, Rochdale and Tamworth.
Defender Jacques Kpohomouh has moved to the south coast to join up with his family.