THE so-called 330 derby rolls into Ashton-under-Lyne tomorrow (Saturday) when Stockport County visit CURZON ASHTON for a Christmas National League North clash.
Chris Rowney returns to the squad having completed his one-match ban in midweek when the Nash won 1-0 at North Ferriby. However, fellow midfielder Luke Clark picked up a slight hip injury in the same match and is only 50/50 to face County.
Tyrell Biggs, who has been suffering with a thigh injury for more than a month, has suffered a setback and is now not expected to make his comeback until mid-January. Another long-term struggler, Paul Marshall, has resumed training and should be available at the start of the new year.
In the Evo-stik NPL premier division, STALYBRIDGE CELTIC play their first home game in six weeks when they face Rushall Olympic at Bower Fold. During that time they have fallen to second-bottom of the table so a victory is of major importance.
The Bridge could field as many as three debutants, with loanees Chris Gallagher and Sam Sheridan featuring in a new-look midfield and Jake Turner replacing Joe Slinn in goal.
ASHTON UNITED have striker problems as they prepare to set off for Grantham. Matty Chadwick and Jack Dyche are injured but manager Jody Banim insists the club will manage.
Lanre Olapede and Jack Pritchard are both back in contention, and Josh Granite is running again and should be available for selection in the next fortnight.
In the first division north, new signing Aaron Fleming goes straight into the DROYLSDEN squad for the match at Radcliffe Borough. A midfielder with an eye for goal, Fleming was previously at Colne.
Otherwise the Bloods are very close to full strength. Jack Rudge is the only player still on the treatment table.
At MOSSLEY, who are home to Kendal Town, co-bosses Peter Band and Lloyd Morrison have been strengthening the squad. They have brought in young central defender Declan Evans from Chorley and are hoping to get midfielder Matty Crothers on a month’s loan from Curzon.
Rio Ahmadi is available to play, which means the suspended James-McLean Oppong is the only absentee.
For GLOSSOP NORTH END, who are away to Clitheroe, there may finally be a glimpse of light at the end of the injury tunnel.
Adam Jones is fit and Callum Chippendale may make it on to the subs’ bench.
Joint-managers Paul Phillips and Steve Halford have also signed a clutch of new faces. Defender Brad Roscoe comes in from Ramsbottom and Gambian attacking midfielder Lamin Baldeh from Mossley. Luke White joins on loan from Bolton Wanderers. Lee Rick has been released.
HYDE UNITED face Scarborough at Ewen Fields in a match that could have a major impact on the play-off places. Both clubs have 36 points from 17 games but the Tigers — who are unbeaten at home in the league — have a much better goal difference.
Striker Karl Jones misses the match with a damaged hamstring and midfielder Jack Stockdill is also injured. Chris Sutherland trained on Thursday and there is a chance he might feature.
The Christmas period could be more crucial than usual for Hyde as it’s understood the success of Darren Kelly’s young squad has started to attract the interest of Football League clubs.