Derbies between the two sides are always hotly contested and eagerly awaited by supporters, but it’s a long time since one held such huge significance. The Celts must win if they are to have a realistic chance of retaining their Evo-stik NPL premier division status.
Both clubs have underperformed since they drew 2-2 at Bower Fold on Boxing Day but Stalybridge have been in freefall, losing nine of their last ten league games. Yesterday (Saturday’s) home defeat by Warrington has left them just a point above the relegation places with only two matches to play.
Additionally, Bridge have had problems off the field with several directors and officials resigning over the last few months.
Making his appeal for unity in an interview on Celtic’s website, Haworth said: “We need everyone to be in it together. We need all the supporters with us. Whatever people’s opinions on things and on the season, we need everyone to just pull together for the next seven days.
“We need everybody behind us on Monday and Saturday, stay in the division and we can all reflect on things over the summer months.
“Right now it’s massive that we all pull together for the football club and put the football club before ourselves.
“If the players don’t rise to the opportunity provided by the Hyde game then they never will. What an opportunity to possibly keep the club in the division by going and beating our local rivals.”
Stalybridge will rely on the same squad that faced Warrington. Ross Dent completes his three-match ban and Elliott Cooke is still sidelined with a knee injury.
Hyde have their fingers crossed that Tom Pratt and Paddy Lane should be able to start after being on the bench yesterday. Doubts remain over Grant Roberts.
In the first division west, GLOSSOP NORTH END co-bosses Peter Band and Lloyd Morrison go back to their former club, MOSSLEY, but Band insists their return won’t add any needle to the game.
“Mossley are my past. It’s Glossop I’m concentrating on now because they’re my future,” he explained.
Following a poor second-half display against Kidsgrove, when his side capitulated and gave up a 1-0 lead, Band confessed to being hugely frustrated and promised to make changes for the trip to Seel Park.
The Lilywhites are at full strength but their defeat at Ramsbottom effectively ended their remaining hopes of reaching the play-offs.
DROYLSDEN travel to Kendal Town.
In National League North, ASHTON UNITED are away to Boston United with their hopes of survival all but dashed. To avoid the drop they have to win their last two games and pray that Guiseley and FC United lose theirs.
CURZON ASHTON visit Stockport County. There is no cash admission for this match. Tickets must be bought online from the County website.