AFTER six weeks out with a broken ankle, defender John Pritchard returns to ASHTON UNITED’s squad for tomorrow (Saturday’s) home clash with Rushall Olympic in the Evo-stik NPL premier division.
Manager Jody Banim commented: “John’s been at West Didsbury to regain some sharpness. We’ve missed him at the back as he was such a plus for us at the start of the season.”
Aaron Chalmers and Makhosini Khanye, both of whom were sent off against Barwell two weeks ago, are suspended.
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC travel to Sutton Coldfield for a game that has assumed huge proportions after the Midlanders’ 1-0 win at Farsley last week closed the gap between the two clubs to just four points.
Bridge will be without midfielder Olly Roberts (groin) and defender Ross Killock (muscle injury) as they look for only their second victory in 28 away games.
Striker John Cofie has left Bower Fold and signed for Derry City in the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland.
In the first division north, DROYLSDEN have a great chance to end their run of three consecutive defeats when they face bottom club Goole at the Butchers Arms. Dylan Smith and Callum Bagshaw are their only doubts.
The injury situation gets no easier for GLOSSOP NORTH END who are home to second-placed Bamber Bridge.
Adam Jones, Gary Gee and Calum Chippendale are all out. Mike Connor is suspended and Jude Oyibo is doubtful with a virus.
HYDE UNITED need a good win to raise them from the torpor that has affected them since their FA Cup first round defeat by MK Dons a month ago. Since then they have allowed a two-goal lead to slip at Colne, lost their first league match of the season at Clitheroe, and been knocked out of the Integro Cup by Ramsbottom.
Classy midfielder Big Khamsuk, who has a sore back, is the only absentee for tomorrow’s clash with Tadcaster at Ewen Fields.
MOSSLEY have a fully-fit squad for their visit to Ossett Albion.
CURZON ASHTON have no game.