AS expected, Simon Woodford misses CURZON ASHTON’S FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie at National League York City tomorrow. His calf injury has flared up again which means he will have to sit out the Bootham Crescent clash.
Danny Shaw is also likely to be sidelined as his damaged thigh has still not cleared up. But Jordan Wright is fit again after a thigh injury of his own and is available for selection.
Central defender Andy Watson has seen significant improvement with his knee problem, so could be back next week. Matt Flynn, who has been in hospital with a viral infection, may return at the start of November.
The Nash are taking three coachloads of fans over the Pennines and manager John Flanagan hopes defender Jamie Stott, on loan from Oldham Athletic, could prove a pivotal figure.
“He’s done very well and, as a left-footed player, has given us balance at the back” said the Curzon boss. “We haven’t conceded a goal since he joined us, which is very encouraging.”
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC will be without defenders Aaron Chalmers and Jay Gorton for tomorrow’s trip to fellow Vanarama North strugglers Worcester City. Chalmers faces a further fortnight on the sidelines after being carried off in last weekend’s home defeat to Altrincham. Gorton picked up an injury in training this week.
Joint-bosses Steve Halford and Paul Phillips continue to ring the changes at Bower Fold as they attempt to drag the club out of the relegation zone where they are now seven points adrift of safety.
Striker Liam Dickinson comes in on an initial month’s loan from Bradford Park Avenue and defender Danny Morton has been drafted in from Colne. Kristian Platt and Danny Pilkington depart on loan to Warrington Town and Hyde United respectively.
In the Evo-stik NPL premier division, coach Damian Crossley will be in charge of ASHTON UNITED in their home game with Barwell. Co-managers Will Haining and Jody Banim are unable to be at the match because of commitments that pre-date their appointment to the Hurst Cross hotseat.
Three new faces could feature. Midfielder Kealan Steenson comes in from Accrington, who are managed by former Robins boss John Coleman, and striker Rio Murray joins from Oldham Athletic. Mitchell Andrew moves up from the reserves.
However, Salford City have recalled defender Dom Smalley.
Banim said: “Looking at the league table, Barwell present us with a great opportunity for another three points. But I think they’ll be similar to Grantham, a big physical team. If we can we win that battle I know we can win the football.”
A torn hamstring means HYDE UNITED centre-half Dave McGurk may be out for as much as a month.
Manager Darren Kelly says the odds of wideman Phil Dean being available are 70/30 against because of a thigh injury.
His place at Scarborough in the Evo-stik NPL first division north is likely to be taken by Danny Pilkington, signed on loan from Stalybridge.
“I know Danny well. He was with me at York and he’s a good player,” said Kelly.
Two new strikers should feature for DROYLSDEN at Tadcaster. Birkenhead-born Alex Salmon, who has played for Workington, joins the Bloods from Australian football. Former Colchester and Crewe man Dominic Smith returns from Shrewsbury for a new stint at the Butchers Arms.
Ryan Winder and Steve Lewis are suspended. Luke Daly remains injured but is making good progress.
GLOSSOP NORTH END go to Burscough with only one doubt – defender Martin Parker.
John Bennett comes back into the reckoning for MOSSLEY, who are home to Colne, having completed a three-match ban.
Two new signings could also figure. Midfielder Matt Burke, brought in from Glossop, and high-scoring Sheffield Wednesday scholar Mason Duffy.