THE MOSSLEY exodus continues with Andy Keogh the latest player to leave Seel Park.
Keogh, who has joined Trafford, follows John Bennett, Mike Fish and Dave Short in quitting the Lilywhites. Asked if all four had been offered more money at their new clubs, co-boss Peter Band replied: “Yes, you’ve got it one.”
Ahead of tomorrow (Saturday’s) Evo-stik NPL first division north game at Colne, defender Caldon Henson is doubtful because of a knock picked up in last weekend’s game with Hyde.
On-loan keeper Cam Mason should keep his place, despite a shaky debut in which he conceded four goals, and new signings Keenan Quansah and Danny Johnson could make their debuts.
The Lilywhites are desperate for points having lost five of their last six matches.
Matt Beadle could be ruled out of HYDE UNITED’s clash with Scarborough Athletic at Ewen Fields. The striker, who has scored in all five league games he has played, faces a pre-match fitness test, as does midfielder Matt Dempsey.
Chris Sutherland misses out again. He is still suffering from the foot injury he sustained when a Prescot Cables player landed on him as they jumped for a ball. Manager Darren Kelly commented: “Chris tried out at training last night but he was still feeling it.”
Former Accrington man Dylan Smith goes into the DROYLSDEN squad for the home game with Tadcaster, after signing from Skelmersdale. Fellow centre-back Clayton McDonald returns from injury.
Changes have been promised to the side that lost 5-0 at Kendal last week, ending the Bloods’ unbeaten start to 2017. “We have to shore up at the back,” explained assistant-manager Aeon Lattie.
GLOSSOP NORTH END will again be without Eddie Moran and Nicky Platt as they prepare to visit Bamber Bridge.
Determined to start a new winning run after last Saturday’s defeat at Grantham ended a sequence of four consecutive victories, ASHTON UNITED have signed left-sided player Josh Stachini ahead of the premier division home clash with Sutton Coldfield.
Although a local lad, and a product of the Manchester City academy, Stachini joins the Robins from Scottish Premiership side Motherwell.
Co-boss Jody Banim said: “Josh is a good footballer and can play left-back or on the left of midfield, which is likely to be his position tomorrow.”
The search is now on for a traditional centre-back. Banim continued: “Grantham, who beat us last week, were a big, physical, powerful team. We didn’t have Rick Smith and they bullied us and we couldn’t cope. That’s why we need a big, strong lad who can head it and kick it — a traditional centre-half and a leader in the Jay Gorton mould.
“Given where Sutton Coldfield are in the table, we should have a chance of starting a new winning run but it won’t be easy. Last week they beat Stourbridge and then Birmingham City in the Birmingham Senior Cup, and David Howarth scored five goals. They’re going to be full of confidence.”
In National League North, there have been several comings and goings at CURZON ASHTON who are home to relegation-threatened Bradford Park Avenue.
Former Hyde United midfielder Liam Tomsett has left the Tameside Stadium because of the long journeys from his home in Barrow. Striker Charlie Ennis has signed for NPL Matlock Town so that he gets first-team matches, but will be available for the Nash if needed.
Centre-back Andy Watson is back in the Curzon fold after his transfer to FC United fell through.
Alex Brown returns from injury and Matt Flynn has resumed training after three weeks and could return to the squad.
Danny Shaw is ruled out with the hamstring strain that forced him to leave the field at the end of Monday’s goalless draw with Stalybridge, even though all three substitutes had been used.
Joe Guest is still struggling with damaged knee ligaments and Connor Hampson is 50/50 because of a virus.
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC make the short hop to Stockport County attempting to maintain their unbeaten league start to 2017.
They face a tough task, with County’s midweek win at Brackley taking them into the play-off places. Only midfielder Kristian Platt (groin) is unavailable through injury. The Celts will, however, be without central defender Kiel O’Brien, who has departed for Australia.
New signing Sefton Gonzales will be hoping to open his account at one of his previous clubs after impressing as a second-half substitute on his debut at Curzon.
Celtic take on high-flying Kidderminster at Bower Fold on Tuesday before a welcome break next weekend.