UNLIKELY as it seems, STALYBRIDGE CELTIC will be looking for their first home league win since September when they take on Hednesford Town at Bower Fold tomorrow (Saturday) in the Evo-stik NPL premier division.
They will be without defenders Liam Tongue (hamstring), Josh Solomon-Davies (abductor) and Elliott Cooke (ankle). Tom Brown has also left the club this week.
Brighter news for boss Simon Haworth is the permanent signing of central defender Chris Smalley, after a successful spell on loan from Stockport County, and the arrival on loan from Preston North End of striker Michael Howard.
Howard’s deal lasts until the end of the season and he is set to make his Bridge debut tomorrow against the club he was previously loaned to.
Altrincham striker James Poole should figure in the HYDE UNITED squad which travels to Bamber Bridge.
Poole, who has also been at Hartlepool, Bury and Salford, has been signed on a month’s loan and replaces recalled Preston forward Connor Simpson who has moved to Carlisle for the rest of the season.
Otherwise, manager Darren Kelly has the rare luxury of a fully fit squad apart from long-term absentee Chris Sutherland.
The Tigers go into the game unbeaten in four matches and following last week’s stunning 8-3 victory at highly-fancied Basford Town.
In the first division west, MOSSLEY are at full strength for their home clash with Market Drayton. The Lilywhites have won four of their last five games and are looking to cement their claim to a play-off place.
The Butchers Arms is the scene for a derby clash between DROYLSDEN and GLOSSOP NORTH END.
Michael Brewster is again the only doubt for the Bloods who will not be renewing the expired loan deals for Lewis Doyle and Andy Hollins.
Dominic Marie and Keenan Quansah return for the Hillmen. Ross Murphy, a defender signed from Runcorn Town, should make his debut.
In National League North, manager Mark Bradshaw is hoping to bring in a new signing ahead of tomorrow’s visit to Nuneaton when CURZON ASHTON will be hoping to make it three wins on the run.
Striker Niall Cummins remains on loan at Marine and a decision about his future should be made over the next week.
Striker Adam Morgan had a double hernia operation on Monday and is hoping to be fit by the end of February. Danny Shaw (calf) and Connor Hughes (knee) are both out.
Because of the FA Trophy, ASHTON UNITED have no match. Striker Craig Hobson has returned to Hurst Cross after being released by Alfreton Town.