“WE’RE going to enjoy it and give it our best shot. We’ve been presented with a chance and we’ve got to take it and take it with both hands.”
That’s Jody Banim’s summation of tomorrow (Saturday’s) National League North six-pointer at Guiseley. Victory would take ASHTON UNITED to within a point of their hosts with three games left to play.
Seven days ago the Robins were looking certs for relegation. Now, following a shock win at Spennymoor, there is just a chance of survival. Could they mount the same sort of surprise late run that took them to play-off success a year ago?
Banim continued: “We thought we were dead and buried and I’m sure Guiseley thought they were safe. Last week’s win has completely flipped the situation and we’ve gained some confidence.
“But it wasn’t some sort of epic performance that came out of the blue. We’ve played as well before and not won. The difference was we took our chances, and goals change games. At Spennymoor we scored at the right time and throughout the season, whenever we’ve got ourselves in front we’ve done well.”
Banim should be able to field a strong side thanks to the return of Luke Ashworth and Scott Kay.
Speaking to the Wharfedale Observer, Guiseley co-boss Marcus Bignot accepted the importance of the encounter. He commented: “Everyone can do the maths now. If we win on Saturday we know how big the gap can be. A victory would give us significant breathing space.
“But a loss is not the end of the world either, we will still be in the box seat. There are still a few teams below us.”
Guiseley were in the headlines for off-field problems this week after Reece Thompson was jailed on a charge of committing grievous bodily harm. However, as the striker has not played since last September, the incident would not be expected to have an effect on dressing-room morale.
In the day’s other big game, MOSSLEY face Trafford at Seel Park hoping to keep up the pressure for a play-off place in the Evo-stik NPL first division west.
Even though they won 5-1 at Colwyn Bay on Tuesday, last weekend’s defeat at rivals Leek has left the Lilywhites with a very difficult task. If they are to finish in the top five they need to make up a three-point gap with only four matches left. Even so, co-boss Dave Wild remains in good spirits.
“It’s not over until it’s mathematically over,” he commented. “I accept Leek have an easier run-in, and on paper Colne are possibly the favourites, but we’re not out of it. Losing at Leek last week was a bit of a killer but I’m still upbeat.
“Tomorrow’s a massive game and for the first time things aren’t in our hands. Maybe we’ll get a little bit of a favour from Glossop and Droylsden tomorrow.
Wild, who has almost a full squad at his disposal, has recalled Mason Duffy from Glossop. “We sent him there before Christmas to get match-fit and he has done. We’re happy to have him back,” he explained.
Youngster Dylan Fitzgerald is out injured for the remainder of the season. Jesurun Uchegbulam will be allowed to stay at West Didsbury and Chorlton who are battling to avoid relegation from the NWCL premier division.
Markel Foulds is unavailable for GLOSSOP NORTH END’s home encounter with Leek. DROYLSDEN are at full strength for their visit to Colne.
Back in National League North, Olly Crankshaw returns for CURZON ASHTON who travel to Telford United. Lewis Reilly has returned to Crewe and Ryan Shenton begins a three-match ban.
Janni Lipka and Grant Roberts are both doubtful for HYDE UNITED who entertain Bamber Bridge in the Evo-stik premier division. Tom Pratt and Deane Smalley should both be fit.
Ross Dent, suspended after a red card against Whitby, is the only absentee for STALYBRIDGE CELTIC who go to Hednesford on the back of a run of seven defeats in their last eight games. Three points would probably be enough to banish fears of the drop.