SPENNYMOOR may play two divisions below Hyde in the football pyramid but Scott McNiven will be treating them with the greatest respect tomorrow.
Applauding the Co Durham side’s excellent cup record, especially in the FA Vase which they won in 2013, the Hyde manager said: “It’s good to have home advantage but Spennymoor are a very good club and we mustn’t underestimate them. They took Telford to a replay in the FA Cup – that shows the quality they’ve got. It won’t be easy by any stretch of the imagination.
“They’ll be well organised and it’ll be a very difficult game because they’ll be hard to break down. I expect the match to be another tough test for my young team.”
McNiven has three doubts ahead of the tie which will net £5,000 in prize money if the Tigers win. Louis Almond, Kelvin Lomax and Tom Bentham are all 50/50.
In the Evo-stik NPL premier division, Curzon Ashton will be without Niall Cummins for their home clash with Grantham. The big striker has to serve a one-game suspension.
Matty Warburton, Tom Schofield, Luke Horrocks and Simon Woodford are available for selection after injury. Jordan Wright is waiting for the results of a scan on his knee.
Neighbours Ashton United face a tough test at third-placed Buxton. Gary Gee and keeper and co-boss Paul Phillips are both suspended. Greg Pearson is fit again.
There will be an inspection of Buxton’s Silverlands pitch at 11 o’clock tomorrow (Saturday) morning.
Suspensions continue for Droylsden who are home to Ossett Albion in the first division north. Ally Brown, Ben Deegan and Kevin Leadbetter are all out tomorrow. Shaun Mylar is injured.
Bloods management duo Dave Pace and Aeon Lattie were trying to make a last-minute signing.
Mossley face Warrington at Seel Park. Their only doubt is centre-half Tom Dean who is described as 50/50.
In the North West Counties League premier division Glossop North End are home to Ashton Athletic and manager Chris Willcock has a full squad to choose from.
Stalybridge Celtic have no match.