IT’S full squads all round tomorrow (Saturday) as the Easter non-league football programme enters its second day.
In the Evo-stik NPL first division north, Mitchell Bryant travels to Kendal with MOSSLEY having missed last weekend’s defeat by Colwyn Bay. DROYLSDEN (home to Lancaster) and GLOSSOP NORTH END (home to Colne) are both able to prepare without any injuries or suspensions.
The Bloods, unbeaten in their last three games, test the strength of their revival against second-placed Lancaster. As they managed to draw 1-1 at leaders Farsley on April 1, they ought to go into the match with some confidence. However, it’s much harder to judge the mood of the Hillmen, who went down 7-2 at Prescot Cables last week. They badly need something from their clash with third-placed Colne if they are to finish in the play-off slots.
Big Khamsuk should reclaim his place in the HYDE UNITED line-up after illness last weekend and being an unused sub against Clitheroe. Youngsters Louis Holt and Tunde Owolabi have been drafted into the squad for the trip to Tadcaster.
This afternoon, the reserves beat Ashton United 3-1 with goals from Owolabe, Oliver Ford and Ross Aikenhead to win the Lancashire League South championship.
Off the field, the Tigers have had a point deducted by the Northern Premier League’s disciplinary panel, and been fined £100, for fielding James Burke against Ossett Town on October 29 when he was ineligible to play.
In the premier division, ASHTON UNITED are expecting a large crowd for their home game with the league champions. Blyth Spartans are expected to bring at least four coachloads of fans.
Although the Geordies have to be hot favourites, Robins co-boss Jody Banim is hoping his side can spring a surprise.
“If we can turn Blyth over and win our last three games, that would leave us only eight points off what we managed last year. To get 72 points would be impressive considering the season we’ve had with its ups and downs and the need to build a team halfway through,” said Banim.
Midfielder Charlie Duke will be available to Ashton for the rest of the campaign. Banim explained: “After we’ve finished, he’ll go back to Torquay, who’ll have another week to go. He’ll train with them and see if he gets a deal. But that could depend on whether they can manage to avoid relegation.”
After a week in which they beat Fylde and Kidderminster in National League North, manager Steve Burr says STALYBRIDGE CELTIC are at full strength and raring to go for their game against Gloucester City at Cheltenham Town.
Another win could put the Bridge — who have taken ten points from the last 12 — within two points of safety with four matches left to play.
Easter Monday fixtures
National League North: Salford City v Curzon Ashton, Stalybridge Celtic v Chorley.
Evo-stik premier division: Warrington Town v Ashton United.
Evo-stik first division north: Hyde United v Droylsden, Mossley v Glossop North End.