A RECURRING stomach injury means striker Adam Morgan misses CURZON ASHTON’s version of the 330 derby tomorrow (Saturday) when Stockport County visit the Tameside Stadium in National League North.
Also out is defender James Baillie who broke a leg at Southport in midweek. He had an operation to correct the fracture on Thursday but is likely to be sidelined for at least six months and probably more.
Joe Guest picked up a serious calf strain at Haig Avenue and is also unfit. Connor Hughes has a groin injury and is classed as 50/50.
On the plus side, midfielder Paul Marshall is available for selection. Danny Morton has resumed light training and could be back by the middle of the month.
ASHTON UNITED, who are home to Boston United, have signed defender Josh Askew on a season-long loan from FC United.
The Robins desperately need to shore up their back line having conceded 17 goals in their last five games, all of which have ended in defeat, leaving the club hovering just above the relegation places.
Manager Jody Banim, who restricted himself to saying “we need to get back to winning ways” has a full squad to choose from.
In the Evo-stik NPL premier division, there’s the potential for some Guy Fawkes weekend fireworks at STALYBRIDGE CELTIC where former bosses Paul Phillips and Steve Halford will be returning as co-managers of Buxton.
It’s the first of two meetings in a week. The sides meet again at Bower Fold on November 10, but in the FA Trophy. Bridge manager Simon Haworth has a full squad at his disposal.
Darren Kelly has a mini-selection crisis to contend with as he takes HYDE UNITED to Marine. Kyle Harrison, Grant Roberts and Nicky Platt are all doubtful, the last two having been hurt in the midweek league cup win at Prescot.
Connor Hughes was sent off in the same game and has a three-match ban pending. Osebi Abadaki has been released after some sort of altercation when the Tigers played at his former club, Stafford Rangers.
Earlier today, Kelly signed 19-year-old defender Douglas Nyaupembe on a month’s loan from Bury. He’s eligible to go straight into the side.
GLOSSOP NORTH END will have another two new faces in the squad for their first division west encounter with Market Drayton at Surrey Street.
Co-bosses Peter Band and Lloyd Morrison have drafted in former Hyde striker Dominic Marie from Bootle, and Barnoldswick midfielder Adam Latham who was with them at Mossley.
MOSSLEY must make the short trip to Atherton Collieries without Steve Mason, who is suspended. Keenan Quansah is a doubt. He has had stitches removed from a gash and co-managers Dave Wild and Terry Hincks will make a decision in the morning.
Skipper Mike Brewster is suspended and misses DROYLSDEN’s journey to Newcastle Town. Dylan Smith and Levi Phillips are doubtful but Shaquille Clarke could return.