THREE days after ASHTON UNITED’s biggest win in years, co-boss Jody Banim has his sights set on the play-offs. He accepts that it’s a long shot but sees no reason why his side shouldn’t give it all they’ve got.
As he put it: “I know it looks unlikely but somebody sneaks in every year. We’ve got to keep on winning and see where it takes us. If we win our game in hand we’re only five points behind Warrington.”
The Robins’ 10-1 victory at Skelmersdale on Tuesday was only three goals short of their all-time record, a 13-1 defeat of Marple in the Lancashire Combination in 1919. Understandably it left Banim delighted.
“We’d been threatening it for weeks. But we’ve been profligate in front of goal. We should have put four or five past Matlock last Saturday because we must have had four or five clear on-on-ones,” said the Hurst Cross co-boss.
“I’m not saying I was expecting a 10-1 win but somebody was due to suffer. Yes Skem are bottom of the table and had a young side but I won’t let that take anything away from us. The lads did a very professional job and never stopped.
And don’t forget that in their previous game, Skem only lost 4-0 at Blyth.
“Since Boxing Day we’ve won ten of our 15 games, and of the four we’ve lost I was only disappointed with the displays at Marine and Barwell. If the lads work hard and do everything right I can’t complain.”
Tomorrow (Saturday) in the Evo-stik NPL premier division Ashton travel to Causeway Lane to play Matlock, the team they beat 1-0 last week. Banim is confident of a third consecutive victory but stresses that it won’t be easy. “There’s no surprise element now and they’ll be out for revenge. I never like back-to-back games,” he commented.
The Robins have made no pre-deadline signings. Banim and partner Will Haining are satisfied with the players at their disposal.
“It’s not the biggest squad but I think it’s good enough,” said Banim. “There’s no point signing anyone if they’re not really going to play.”
Matt Chadwick is banned tomorrow after being sent off last Saturday for two yellow cards.
In National League North, STALYBRIDGE CELTIC travel to Altrincham for the second time in a week, but this time it’s for a home game. Bridge take on relegation rivals Worcester City in a veritable six-pointer but the game takes place at Moss Lane due to the parlous state of the Bower Fold pitch.
Groundsman Pete Owens is confident, however, that the game against Telford United will take place at Bower Fold on Tuesday.
Steve Burr’s men have their fate back in their own hands as they now lie 11 points behind both Worcester and Gainsborough Trinity but have four games in hand.
Celtic will unveil new signing Andy Bishop, the seasoned striker signing during the week from Hyde United, but will be without midfielders Kristian Platt and Gary Gee, both with groin injuries.
CURZON ASHTON have a full squad available for their trip to Chorley apart from long-term injury victims Iain Howard and Matt Flynn. Manager John Flanagan has made no late signings.
In the Evo-stik NPL first division north, Tom Bailey and Matt Russell have returned to play-off chasing GLOSSOP NORTH END who are on the east coast at Scarborough Athletic. Four under-21s have been promoted to the first-team squad: Josh Lowe, Mason Davies, Danny Ashton and Hadfield midfielder Liam Turner who is on the books at Macclesfield.
DROYLSDEN face Ossett Town at the Butchers Arms without Domaine Rouse who is suspended. Scott Metcalfe is injured and listed as very doubtful. No signings have been made.
Jason Hill misses MOSSLEY’s game at Clitheroe with a tight hamstring. Co-bosses Lloyd Morrison and Peter Band have brought in striker Elliot Harrison on loan from Halifax Town. Danny McLaughlin comes in from Diggle and Nathan Quinlan has been allowed to join Chadderton on a dual registration.
Macclesfield midfielder Omry Perel has switched his NPL registration from Droylsden to HYDE UNITED but other than that the Tigers have made no signings.
Manager Darren Kelly explained: “The fact is we don’t need anyone. Tomorrow, at Ossett Albion, we have everyone available and that’s a headache but a great one to have. We’re fully fit and raring to go and there’s no room for any excuses.”
NPL deadline transfers
Liam Turner from Macclesfield Town to Glossop North End
Perel Omry from Droylsden to Hyde United
Elliott Harrison from Halifax Town to Mossley
Josh Brizell from Glossop North End to Skelmersdale United
Ryan O’Hare from Droylsden to Skelmersdale United
Henoc Mukendi from Stalybridge Celtic to Sutton Coldfield Town
Kurt Sherlock from Stalybridge Celtic to Warrington Town