TWO old faces will figure in the HYDE UNITED squad for tomorrow (Saturday’s) BetVictor NPL premier division clash at Basford: striker Connor Hughes and wide man Chris Sutherland.
Hughes, who spent a couple of seasons at Ewen Fields five years ago, has been signed on a month’s loan from Ashton United. Sutherland returns after a long struggle with a calf problem that effectively ruled him out for the whole of last season.
He is a player of undoubted talent but supporters know him to be injury-prone and will be interested to see how he fares. Manager Dave McGurk, who is confident Sutherland has recovered, says he has looked sharp in training and will be phased in gradually.
Goalkeeper Sam French may have played his last match for the Tigers. The end of his loan period from Derby has coincided with a hip injury opening the way for Luke Mewitt to return from Huddersfield Town.
Jack Dyche and Chris Sharp are both suspended. Harry Benns is a long-term absentee with ligament damage.
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC, looking to make it eight games unbeaten, are at full strength for the visit of Mickleover Sports. Central defender Mark Lees has joined Mossley.
Mike Clegg goes back to his old club Atherton Collieries still looking for his first win as ASHTON UNITED manager. Fans can expect to see as many as three new signings but he was refusing to name them as Pav’s Patch was published.
He added: “Everyone’s fit and John Pritchard is back so we’ll have to leave a couple out. The break has done us good. We’ve had time to bond and to get some good work in on the training ground.”
Persistent rain has put the fixture in doubt. A pitch inspection has been arranged for 11.30am.
In Vanarama North, CURZON ASHTON, who lost in the FA Trophy last week but are unbeaten in their last four league outings, have a tough game in prospect at fifth-placed Brackley.
The squad will feature 19-year-old striker Andy Scott, signed on loan from Accrington Stanley, and defender Olly Thornley who has recovered from injury. Mo Ali misses out due to delays following his international duties with Somalia.
Kade Coppin and Mark Lees make their debuts for MOSSLEY at home to Ossett United in the first division north west. The match will also present new assistant-manager Paul Phillips with a first appearance in the dug-out.
Simon Lenighan has moved to Buxton and Ste Mason is unavailable for a month.
DROYLSDEN have a full squad for their visit to Colne.
Midfielder Ali Sheriff is back for GLOSSOP NORTH END’s first division south-east clash at Stamford having missed last week’s game.