WHEN Scott Spencer hobbled off against Ilkeston last week he may well have hobbled out of what’s left of HYDE UNITED’S season.
The ankle injury the Tigers’ top scorer sustained has rendered him unable to play at Buxton tomorrow (Saturday). Manager Darren Kelly fears he may not be fit for the two games after that although he says the club will have to play it day by day.
If Hyde are to have even the remotest chance of escaping relegation from the Evo-stik NPL premier division they need to win all three of their remaining matches — a tall order for a side that has only won twice in the league since the end of October. After Monday’s results they are 21st in the table, three points behind Whitby and having played a game more.
Kelly said: “We’re going to go for it. I realise the need to keep people back but we’ve got to get a result. I’m glad to say we’ve got some quality players coming back tomorrow and that’s a big, big boost for the team.”
Andreas Bianga, James Burke, Adam Jones and Ryan Ellison are all up for selection and Pavels Surnins may also be fit having trained last night. Sam Fitton is unavailable as he is on a course at St George’s Park.
ASHTON UNITED could seal a play-off spot and perhaps even close in on Salford City if they can beat sixth-placed Workington at Hurst Cross. Co-managers Paul Phillips and Steve Halford have no injuries or suspensions to worry about.
In the first division north, GLOSSOP NORTH END have a full squad for the game at Ossett Town where victory would help them seal third place in the table and home advantage in the play-offs.
Manager Chris Willcock admits to a few niggles in the dressing room but nothing that should keep anyone out. Matt Russell has completed his suspension.
Matt Burke, Danny Byrne and Mike Pino all need fitness tests following chest infections ahead of DROYLSDEN’S game at Bamber Bridge. MOSSLEY must face Farsley Celtic at Seel Park without Caldon Henson and Callum Warburton, both of whom are injured. Kyle McGonigle is serving out a four-match ban and Mike Fish is at a wedding.
In National League North, Skipper Matty Hughes is a doubt for STALYBRIDGE CELTIC after he broke his nose in a clash with North Ferriby’s Tom Denton in Tuesday’s vital victory over the Villagers.
Liam Watson takes his team on the short trip to FC United looking for the win that will secure Celtic’s place in National League North for next season.
With John Shaw still struggling to shake off an ankle injury, Watson may have to move Aaron Chalmers to central defence alongside leading scorer Jack Higgins.
CURZON ASHTON may have to face Gloucester City at the Tameside Stadium without goalkeeper Hakan Burton who has a damaged foot.
Benito Lowe and Joe Guest are both suspended but Matty Warburton and Connor Hughes are both fit.