LEAGUE positions — and home advantage — say HYDE UNITED should take all three points in tomorrow (Saturday’s) BetVictor NPL premier division clash with ASHTON UNITED.
Tameside derbies may not be as intense as they were 30 years ago, but it still seems premature to write off the Robins. Although the Tigers have easily made the better start to the season, and even topped the table, both clubs have it within in them to perform well, or badly, on any given day.
Hyde will certainly go into the match fresher, having not played for almost two weeks. Manager Dave McGurk reports a fully-fit squad with keeper Luke Mewitt available to play. Aiden Winterbottom has come in as cover while reserve goalies James Hodges and Thierry Lewis are sidelined.
McGurk adds that he is looking to sign a striker in time for the game. He also expects to lose one or two players this week who have been the subject of seven-day approaches.
Ashton start out on the back of a midweek defeat by Whitby which took the gloss off their FA Cup progress at the expense of Pontefract.
Aaron Smith is suspended and Callum Dolan has received an eight-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to dangerous driving and driving while disqualified. Gianluca Havern returns from injury.
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC have no injuries or absences for their visit to Witton Albion.
New signing Mike Calveley goes straight into the CURZON ASHTON squad at in-form Farsley Celtic as the Blues desperately seek to end a losing run that has seem them crash out of the FA Cup and plunge to 19th place in National League North. The former Port Vale midfielder was with Nuneaton Borough last season. Farsley, who have won their last three matches, are sixth.
Calveley helps to plug the gap caused by the absence of Robbie Evans and Sean Miller.
Danny Shaw misses out and Matt Regan faces a late fitness test. James Baillie returns to the Nash after time out on loan.
Kai Calderbank-Park remains in goal. Regular keeper Cam Mason had an operation earlier today to remove a lump from his hip.
Because of the FA Trophy, GLOSSOP NORTH END, DROYLSDEN and MOSSLEY all have a free day.
During the week the Hillmen have signed former Droylsden striker Porya Ahmadi from Aberystwyth and midfielder Scott Kay who was at Ashton United last season.