JOHN FLANAGAN has no fewer than four regular players suspended as he prepares his CURZON ASHTON team to meet Bradford Park Avenue at the Tameside Stadium in National League North tomorrow (Saturday).
Cameron McJannett, who was sent off against Stockport last week, has a two-game ban while Joe Guest, Danny Shaw and Adam Morgan are all out for a single match.
Paul Marshall, who was unable to train in midweek, is unlikely to feature, and broken-leg victim James Baillie will not reappear before the spring.
“It’s problems all the way this week, but on a positive note, the situation does provide an opportunity for players on the fringes to impress,” said Flanagan.
ASHTON UNITED, whose losing streak has ended with a draw against Boston and a victory over Guiseley, have no match.
HYDE UNITED boss Darren Kelly has his academy players on stand-by ahead of the FA Trophy second qualifying round tie at South Shields.
Nicky Platt is definitely out, and Matty Hughes is suspended. Tom Pratt, Grant Roberts, Kyle Harrison and Kyle Brownhill are all carrying knocks and are rated as only 50/50. They will all undergo fitness tests in the morning.
Chris Sutherland, who made his long-awaited comeback when he came off the bench at Marine, has suffered a recurrence of his Achilles injury and returned to the treatment table.
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC, who are home to Buxton for the second time in a week, welcome back winger James Caton and defender Danny Brady. Both missed last Saturday’s 1-1 draw and the midweek defeat of Witton. Their return gives manager Simon Haworth a full squad to choose from.
Each winning club in the Trophy will receive £4,000 in prize money.
Midfielder Kieran Nolan, who was a member of Runcorn Linnets’ North West Counties League championship-winning side, has joined MOSSLEY and should figure in the side that takes on Kidsgrove at Seel Park.
Co-boss Dave Wild, who believes Nolan will quickly become a fans’ favourite, said: “He’s as committed as they come and I’m looking forward to integrating him into the squad.”
Michael Brewster has completed his suspension and should figure for DROYLSDEN who are home to Colwyn Bay and looking for their third consecutive league win. Shaq Clarke is doubtful.
GLOSSOP NORTH END, who recorded their first home victory of the season last week, have only one man missing for their game at Chasetown. Alex Elliott has to attend a family wedding.
Midfielder Kane Hickman has returned to Surrey Street from Buxton.