MOSSLEY’S status as Tameside’sform team will be put to the test at Spennymoor tomorrow (Saturday).
The Lilywhites, unbeaten in a nine-game run stretching back to Boxing Day, lie tenth in the Evo-stik NPL first division north while their opponents are fifth. Victory, or at least the avoidance of defeat, would do much to strengthen their play-off hopes.
Midfielder Arron Hevingham misses out on the trip to the Brewery Field with ruptured stomach ligaments sustained in the 1-0 victory over Ossett Albion. However, striker Sam Robinson returns.
Co-managers Peter Band and Lloyd Morrison have shored up the Seel Park squad by signing goalkeeper Liam Flynn from Stocksbridge Park Steels and by taking defender Daniel Mukuna on loan from Hyde reserves.
DROYLSDEN, who have won only once in six games since New Year’s Day, are hoping to give their fading play-off hopes a boost at home to Ossett Town.
Several players have left the Butchers Arms in recent weeks with the latest being Jake Parker and Russ Saunders. Craig Ellison (Congleton Town) replaces Saunders as goalkeeper and striker Callum Pritchard-Ellis has been signed from Crewe Alexandra.
In the premier division, CURZON ASHTON could do themselves and neighbours Ashton United the world of good by beating Ilkeston at the Tameside Stadium tomorrow.
The Blues, who were looking like championship contenders during the first third of the season, have slipped badly since December, winning only once in eight league matches.
It’s one in and one out in terms of forwards with Matty Warburton recovered from a back injury but Mark Bett sidelined with a strained hamstring. Defender Jonno Hunt returns after a chest infection.
The Robins, hoping to bounce back immediately after their midweek defeat by FC United ended their run of five consecutive wins, are home to Frickley Athletic. On Monday night, Ilkeston visit Hurst Cross.
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC have no game tomorrow as North Ferriby are in FA Trophy action, which gives them an extra week to lick their wounds after the 5-1 mauling by Vanarama North relegation rivals Brackley at Bower Fold.
HYDE, who have yet to win under Gary Lowe’s management, face title contenders Fylde at Ewen Fields.
New midfielder James Burke, a product of the Huddersfield Town academy but signed from Bury, comes into the reckoning. Striker Tom Bentham is out with a shoulder injury sustained in the gym. Josh Brizell has recovered from a back problem.
Danny Racchi and Andreas Pachipis have both left the club as Lowe continues to whittle down the squad he inherited from Scott McNiven. “Tomorrow’s going to be a big test. I’m looking for players I feel can take us forward and also to give some of the younger lads a chance,” he said.
GLOSSOP NORTH END continue their punishing schedule up in Gateshead where they visit Dunston UTS for an FA Vase fifth round replay. Manager Chris Willcock reports no injuries or suspensions.
If the Hillmen win they will visit Barnsley club Shaw Lane Aquaforce in the quarter-finals.
On Tuesday, Glossop beat Squires Gate in the league cup to line up a home semi-final tie with Bootle. This Tuesday (February 24) they are home to Matlock Town in the last four of the Derbyshire Senior Cup.