STALYBRIDGE CELTIC manager Keith Briggs is hoping that a night by the seaside will do the trick as he prepares his team for tomorrow’s relegation six-pointer at Lowestoft.
The Celtic squad set off for Suffolk this afternoon (Friday) in a bid to ensure they are fully prepared. Briggs has labelled it a must-win game, his side having slipped back into the drop zone.
Goalkeeper Lewis King returns to action after missing the home defeat against Brackley to be at the birth of his first child.
Defender Kelvin Bleau is the only absentee through injury, but Briggs has pruned his squad this week with Chesterfield loanees Charlie Dawes and Michael Onugwigun returning to their parent club. Stephen Brogan and Brad Gascoigne have been released.
HYDE, who are away to Gainsborough, have released striker Tom Bentham who is thought to be in talks with Stalybridge.
Perry Ng (Crewe) and Ben Holmes (Huddersfield) have both had their loans extended for a further month. Manager Gary Lowe has no injuries worries ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Lincolnshire.
There were fears club captain Josh Brizell may have had a torn abductor muscle but they proved unfounded.
Former Leyton Orient winger Jack Sherratt comes into the ASHTON UNITED squad for the Evo-stik NPL game at midtable Halesowen Town.
Sherratt (21), started the season with Northwich Victoria, but spent a brief period on loan at Stalybridge last spring. Robins co-boss Paul Phillips describes him as a great addition.
Ashton have no fitness or suspension problems.
CURZON, who bounced back with an excellent victory over fellow promotion candidates Ilkeston last week, face Stourbridge at the Tameside Stadium.
Alongside Andy Watson and Ryan Watson who are out for the season, Tom Eckersley has a broken leg and Mark Bett and Simon Woodford are both ruled out with hamstring injuries.
Ryan Watson is to undergo surgery in three weeks’ time to repair a cruciate injury.
In the first division north, MOSSLEY visit Warrington hoping to extend their nine-match unbeaten league run which stretches back to Boxing Day.
Matty Purcell is unavailable because of work commitments and Arron Hevingham remains sidelined with a ruptured stomach muscle.
DROYLSDEN, who finally got a win under their belts last week, visit Ossett Albion with a couple of new signings on show.
Former Crewe centre-back Ryan Allcock joins the Bloods from Congleton Town and winger Josh Sumner comes in from Skelmersdale. Halifax midfielder Jake Hibbs returns on another month’s loan.
Sean Myler is Droylsden’s only injury absentee.
GLOSSOP NORTH END’S FA Vase quarter-final against Northern Counties East League premier division club Shaw Lane Aquaforce has been moved to Sunday and will now be played at Handsworth Parramore's Sandy Lane ground in Worksop (kick-off 3pm).
Sam Grimshaw and Dan White are doubtful with head injuries but otherwise manager Chris Willcock has a full squad and says everyone is raring to go.