AFTER nine games without a win, MOSSLEY managerial duo Peter Band and Lloyd Morrison have decided the time has come for drastic action.
Two new signings come into the squad for tomorrow (Saturday’s) Evo-stik NPL first division north home clash with Colwyn Bay and more are lined up.
Centre-back Danny Hall has been signed from Droylsden alongside Ashton United goalkeeper Johnny Diba. A young central midfielder from a League One club could also feature tomorrow, and next week should see further strengthening, including a man Band describes as a popular old face.
“If we’re going to stop this slump then we have to make changes, and I’d like to thank Droylsden for letting us have Danny Hall. We’ve got lots of people lined up because we badly need more experience in the squad. We need competition for the keeper’s jersey too,” said Band.
“In our next two games we face Colwyn Bay, who have won their last three, and Scarborough, who have won their last six. It would be nice if we could upset the applecart now that we’re getting people in.”
There are doubts about Dieter Downey but he should be fit to play. Logan Jeffs starts a four-match suspension.
Band added: “He’s never been sent off in his entire career and then he gets two red cards in a week. He’s gone from Gary Lineker to Vinnie Jones overnight.”
HYDE UNITED, who softened the effects of last Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at South Shields by winning at Kendal in midweek, should be at full strength for the visit of Clitheroe. The only slight doubt is Chris Sutherland but he should be okay for at least a place on the subs’ bench.
GLOSSOP NORTH END head to Tadcaster Albion having learned that a groin problem has ruled out midfielder Gary Gee for the rest of the season. Brad Roscoe (hamstring) and Ryan White (back) are both injured.
Goalkeeper Elliot Wynne has been allowed to join Lancaster while Jude Oyibo appears to have quit Surrey Street and may even have given up the game altogether. The club have declined to make any comment.
Young defender Cole Lonsdale has been brought in on loan from Bolton Wanderers.
Bidding to end a sequence of six games without a win, DROYLSDEN have signed central defender Jacques Kpohomouh from Southport for their home clash with top-of-the-table South Shields.
John Shaw, Alex Frost and Ben Barber will all miss the match. Dylan Smith and Jamie Frost face late fitness tests.
In the Evo-stik NPL premier division, STALYBRIDGE CELTIC are injury-free for the visit of bottom club Sutton Coldfield to Bower Fold. Defender Ross Killock has shaken off the calf injury that kept him sidelined for two months.
A defeat would see Celtic slide to the foot of the table, although they do have six games in hand on the Midlanders.
Manager Steve Burr is well aware of the importance of the game and commented: “The performance at Barwell last week wasn’t acceptable and I will be looking for a vast improvement tomorrow. It’s a big game and we need to step up.”
ASHTON UNITED will sport a new look for their match at Rushall Olympic. Manager Jody Banim has signed utility man Dan Mooney on loan from Fleetwood and striker Deane Smalley who has played for several EFL clubs and made 105 appearances for Oldham Athletic.
Banim said: “Dean has had some bad luck with injuries and needs to get himself back into shape before we include him. But he’s an experienced League striker and I’m hoping he can be our wildcard as we go into the last third of the season.”
Matty Chadwick returns, and Cavell Coo is back after his spell at West Didsbury to regain fitness.
“We’re looking okay. We need to beat Rushall and then that would set us up nicely for the game at Altrincham on Tuesday,” said the Robins boss.
In National League North, CURZON ASHTON badly need a victory their home encounter with Gainsborough Trinity having fallen into the relegation places, if only on goal difference. They have failed to win any of their last five matches.
Manager John Flanagan has beefed up midfield with two signings. Winger Ben McKenna comes in from Stockport County and former Mossley man Aaron Dwyer from Stockport Town.
Joe Guest starts a three-game ban after being sent off against FC United last week. Ryan Brooke, Paul Marshall and Jordan Wright remain sidelined.