THE FA of Wales has come under fire for taking too long to arrange international clearance so that players can turn out for English clubs.
When STALYBRIDGE CELTIC travel to Warrington tomorrow (Saturday) in the Evo-stik NPL premier division, they will have to do so without Glenn Rule and Luke Wall who will also miss Monday’s home clash with Workington.
An official from another NPL club said: “It’s an absolute disgrace. There are lots of clubs waiting weeks for players and all we’re talking about is the click of an e-mail. Don’t they realise they’re stopping lads from getting a game? It’s unacceptable.”
Bower Fold boss Simon Haworth has made one addition to his squad this week, signing striker Neil Kengni from Rochdale’s academy.
Celtic will be looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season and otherwise have a full squad to choose from.
A red card at York last week means defender Cameron McJannett is suspended for CURZON ASHTON’s home clash with Kidderminster Harriers in National League North.
In addition, manager John Flanagan has a trio of doubts. James Baillie (foot) is unlikely to play, while Mason Fawns (back strain) is rated as 50/50. Chris Rowney also has a back problem but is expected to be available.
There could be two new faces in the ASHTON UNITED line-up at Southport. Right-sided midfielder Brad Jackson has been released by Burnley’s under-23 side and Welsh under-21 international goalkeeper Luke Pilling is on a season-long loan from Tranmere Rovers.
Looking back at last Saturday’s heavy home defeat by Brackley, the Robins boss said: “It was a bad weekend for us but we’ve learned a few lessons and we’ll be looking to bounce back.
“To be fair, it was never a 5-1 against Brackley. We probably had 70 per cent of the ball but didn’t create much. After going 2-0 down we had to change to a 3-4-3 and they just picked us off.
“Brackley were no mugs but they were nothing special either. They knew their jobs, got back to shape quickly and it was hard to break them down.
“Even though Southport have had a bad start I’m expecting a tough game. Their manager, Liam Watson, openly slated some players and after losing the first four games they won 4-1 at Nuneaton.
“Southport are very efficient, just as you would expect from Liam Watson, but if we stop making individual errors I think we’re a match for anybody. We showed that in our first few games.”
Win or lose, there is money to be made in the FA Cup preliminary round. Victorious teams get £2,890 while beaten ones pick up £960.
HYDE UNITED face Sheffield, the world’s oldest club, at Ewen Fields. Manager Darren Kelly effectively has a full squad to choose from. The only player missing from Thursday’s upbeat training session was Chris Sutherland.
MOSSLEY, who have taken maximum points from their first two matches, visit new club Ossett United who are an amalgamation of Town and Albion.
Max Leonard is the only absentee. Steve Mason, a former Ashton United centre-back signed from Trafford, may figure.
Midfielders Jack Tuohy and Jason Hill go into the GLOSSOP NORTH END squad at North West Counties League City of Liverpool FC. Liam Caddick and Shaq Clarke face fitness tests for DROYLSDEN who are home to Squires Gate.