ASHTON UNITED enter uncharted waters tomorrow (Saturday) when they visit Ilkeston hoping to extend their unbeaten start in the Evo-stik premier division.
The match will be the Derbyshire outfit’s first of the season as they were suspended by the Northern Premier League for failing to pay footballing creditors. The ban was lifted yesterday morning, when Ilkeston were able to show that all relevant debts had been settled.
However, the matter is not over yet. On Wednesday Ilkeston are back in front of the NPL, this time to answer charges of failing to fulfil their fixtures while the suspension was in force.
Ashton head to the New Manor Ground without defender Will Haining, who has a calf injury. Adam Mather (dead leg) is rated 50/50 but otherwise the squad is fully fit.
Grant Shenton has had the plaster removed from his broken wrist but he will not be able to return for another month, which means co-manager Paul Phillips continues as goalkeeper.
Ilkeston last played three weeks ago when they faced Belper. Even so, team captain Matt Baker does not believe the lack of games will be a major problem.
“We’re all fit and ready and we’re all young lads so it shouldn’t be an issue. There’s no excuses. If we don’t perform, it will be our fault, not down to a lack of training or anything like that,” he told the Ilkeston Advertiser.
“It’s been frustrating but we’ve been assured all the time that the club is in a good position and there’s nothing to worry about. Everyone’s positive and there’s no negativity. We’re all just looking forward to playing.”
In Vanarama North, STALYBRIDGE CELTIC will be attempting to climb out of the bottom three when they take on Gloucester City at Bower Fold.
Manager Liam Watson will be without defender John Shaw (ill) and midfielders Callum Bagshaw (ankle) and Danny Pilkington (thigh) but is hopeful of welcoming back skipper Matty Hughes and Liam Hynes to the starting line-up.
Midfielder Kristian Platt (ankle) faces a late fitness test but striker Kurt Sherlock has shaken off a training ground knock and could be a surprise inclusion as the Bridge look to snap a run of four consecutive defeats.
Defender Connor Hampson misses CURZON ASHTON’S short trip to Altrincham, sidelined by a shoulder strain. However, two defenders return to the squad: Matt Flynn, and Danny Shaw who has undergone long-term knee rehab.
Andy Keogh and Tom Pratt are back for MOSSLEY’S home clash with Tadcaster Albion in the Evo-stik NPL first division north. Oldham Athletic winger Jordan Bove, who had been considering a move to Scottish football, is now properly signed-on and available.
Midfielder Matt Dempsey is the only absentee for HYDE UNITED ahead of their game against Goole at Ewen Fields. Brice Wassi has shaken off the knock he sustained in the warm-up before last weekend’s FA Cup tie against Cammell Laird.
DROYLSDEN manager Dave Pace has plenty of selection problems for the Colne’s visit to the Butchers Arms. Luke Daly, Shaq Clarke and Russ Courtney are injured. Steve Lewis, Liam Caddick, Aaron Walters and Mike Roddy are doubtful.
It’s an entirely different matter for GLOSSOP NORTH END boss Chris Willcock who has a full squad to choose from for the visit to Lancaster City.
Bank Holiday Monday Fixtures
Vanarama North
Chorley v Stalybridge Celtic, Curzon Ashton v Salford City.
Evo-stik NPL Premier Division
Ashton United v Skelmersdale United
Evo-stik NPL First Division North
Droylsden v Mossley
Glossop North End v Hyde United.