IT’S a case of three in, three out, for STALYBRIDGE CELTIC tomorrow (Saturday) as they look to put their disastrous start to the season behind them.
Bridge take on Farsley Celtic at Bower Fold in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup, where £3,000 in prize money is at stake.
New signings midfielder Tom Brown, winger Aidan Chippendale and striker Liam Dickinson are all expected to start in what could be a much-changed line-up as manager Steve Burr attempts to generates some wins — and goals.
Missing will be defender Joe Garvin and midfielders Lasagna Mendes and Greg Wilkinson. Garvin and Mendes both have hamstring injuries which could mean lengthy lay-offs. Wilkinson has a thigh strain but could return next weekend.
Goalkeeper Lewis King has left Bower Fold and rejoined his former club, Mickleover Sports.
ASHTON UNITED visit their bogey side, Marine, with no fewer than nine injuries. That leaves them with a 14-strong squad including manager Jody Banim and his assistant, Simon Woodford, for a tie in which they are allowed to put seven subs on the bench.
The latest additions to the sick list are Johny Diba Musangu, who was stretchered off against Buxton, Max Cartwright (back) and Josh Stachini (knee) who had only just returned from bruised ligaments.
Ashley Frith takes over in goal, and will be the Robins’ third keeper in only seven matches.
Manager Jody Banim said: “It’s not ideal for an important cup game but we’ve still got enough about us to go there and win. After all, you only need 11 players.
“It’s a massive match all round — for the football club collectively, for the team and for the players as individuals. It’s imperative that we win and that’s what we’ll be setting out to do.”
Chris Churchman will again be missing for HYDE UNITED who are home to Kendal Town. The former Clitheroe midfielder, signed over the summer, has yet to make an appearance. Three weeks ago, the reason given for his absence was a dead leg. Clearly it’s something much more serious.
DROYLSDEN, who are second in the Evo-stik NPL first division north — their highest league position for several years — take on Colwyn Bay at the Butchers Arms after a run of three consecutive victories.
Domaine Rouse remains suspended, reserve keeper Jamie Coates has a knee injury, and midfielder Wayne Riley is doubtful even though he trained last night.
Henoc Mukendi comes into the MOSSLEY squad for the home clash with 1874 Northwich. The Congolese striker signed in midweek from Atherton Collieries.
Russ Saunders keeps his place in goal for GLOSSOP NORTH END as Paul Phillips completes his suspension.
The Hillmen visit Ramsbottom United in the NPL first division north with a new face in the squad — striker Calum Chippendale who was signed from Shaw Lane. Defender Dave Young also comes into the reckoning but Connor Martin is injured and Jason Hill, Matty Russell and Dale Johnson are all doubtful.
Still reeling from their 4-0 defeat at Alfreton, CURZON ASHTON find themselves up against Salford City at the Tameside Stadium.
Striker Sam Madeley has been signed from Macclesfield Town, and Niall Cummins returns after missing the bank holiday fixture to be present at the birth of his third child.
A damaged hamstring continues to rule out Jordan Wright, who may be ten days away from a return. Rory Fallon is back in full training and looking to get some competitive games under his belt.
Manager John Flanagan said: “I feel we’ve been a little bit unfortunate so far. Some of the goals against us were unstoppable. They just flew in. And now, after the game at Alfreton, we have the simple task of sorting out two full-time sides, Salford and Kidderminster.
“It’s not going to be easy but we’ll just have to get on with it.”