A SINGLE point at home to Northwich Victoria tomorrow (Saturday) would ensure GLOSSOP NORTH END get home advantage in the Evo-stik NPL first division north play-off semi-finals on Tuesday when they will meet . . . Northwich.
Whatever the result at Surrey Street, the two clubs are bound to meet for the third time in less than a week. Last Thursday the Hillmen emerged 1-0 winners at Wincham Park but it was a very close encounter and only decided by an Andrew Watson own goal.
Chris Willcock has the luxury of a fully fit squad for the short journey into mid-Cheshire.
In the premier division, ASHTON UNITED need a win at Sutton Coldfield to make sure they finish fourth. By doing so they will travel to Salford City in the play-offs on Tuesday rather having to go up to Northumberland to face Blyth Spartans.
The Robins should be in confident mood after their 3-0 defeat of Halesowen on Tuesday. There are no injury or suspension problems.
Six points from their remaining two matches might allow CURZON ASHTON to realise manager John Flanagan’s hopes of finishing eighth in their first season in Vanarama National League North.
The Nash are home to Brackley tomorrow before finishing off at Stockport County on April 30. Alex Brown misses out with a suspected cracked rib and Jordan Wright has a hamstring injury.
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC travel to relegated Corby Town. Bridge are safe now but wins at Steel Park, and then at home to Boston United on April 30, could mathematically take them up to eighth and they would end the campaign with a five-game unbeaten run.
Three weeks ago manager Liam Watson said that finishing in the top half of the table, winning the Manchester Premier Cup and reaching the first round of the FA Cup against Doncaster would make for a decent little season.
The Bower Fold squad has a clean bill of health. The Manchester Premier Cup final is on Wednesday, at Ewen Fields (7.45pm) when Celtic meet holders Mossley.
MOSSLEY visit Brighouse in the Evo-stik NPL first division north with five players missing. Tom Pratt and Kyle McGonigle are suspended, and Caldon Henson and Calum Warburton both have injured knees. Michael Thomas has left Seel Park to work in Holland. “Lloyd Morrison and I would like to thank Michael for having a great season,” said co-manager Peter Band.
James Hampson is the only doubt for DROYLSDEN who face Ossett Town at the Butchers Arms.
It’s pay what you wish at Ewen Fields where relegated HYDE UNITED will be taking on Halesowen Town in their last game in the premier division.
Scott Spencer remains injured and Adam M Jones misses out with a bad back. Defender Pavels Surnins is unavailable. However, Billy Reeves has recovered from a damaged elbow and is available.
The Tigers will be advertising the vacant manager’s position as soon as the season closes. Caretaker-boss Darren Kelly has indicated his desire to take the role on a permanent basis. Several other applications and inquiries have also been received.