JODY BANIM takes a changed ASHTON UNITED squad down to Kings Lynn Town tomorrow (Saturday) in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup.
Striker Craig Hobson has joined Alfreton Town, midfielder Scott Sephton has been sold to Buxton for an undisclosed fee, and frontman Jak Hickman has been recalled by Coventry City.
“We’ve won our last three games, and it would be nice to have that continuity in the squad, but we can’t deny players the opportunity to move on,” Banim explained.
“Craig did very well for us but money talks. Alfreton were offering him more than double what we were paying.
“I’m a little bit disappointed about Jak Hickman because we’d agreed to extend his loan and then he was called back without any real explanation.”
Banim expects a very hard game at the Walks Stadium. Although Kings Lynn are only just above the relegation places in the Evo-stik League South premier division central, their form has improved markedly since Rob Back and Neil Fryatt replaced manager Simon Clark a month ago. They have gone six games unbeaten since the duo took charge.
The Ashton boss added: “They’re a bit like us. They play a 4-3-2-1 formation with a high tempo. They press and like to play the ball from the back whenever they can.
“I’m expecting a really tough game but they have a beautiful pitch so there’s a chance for us to get the ball down and play as we like to.”
Neighbours CURZON ASHTON are home to Southport and manager John Flanagan has the luxury of a full squad to call on.
The Sandgrounders, who are second-bottom of National League North, are managed by former Stalybridge boss Liam Watson who came out of retirement to take the reins at Haig Avenue.
During his time at Bower Fold, Watson was unable to revive Celtic’s fortunes and he left declaring he would never be seen in a dug-out again. However, he did lead Stalybridge to the first round of the FA Cup in 2015 where they lost at Doncaster Rovers.
Each winning side will received £15,000 in prize money.
HYDE UNITED boss Darren Kelly has turned down the chance to take over at FC United.
The struggling Manarama North club have been without a manager since Tom Greaves quit at the end of August and moved to Ewen Fields. Hyde informed Kelly of the approach and he did speak to FC United officials but decided his future lies with the Tigers.
In the past, Kelly has made no secret of his affection for Hyde United where he was given a chance to prove himself after his difficult times in charge at Oldham Athletic and Halifax Town.
A few weeks ago, when he was linked with the job at York City, he commented: “I love absolutely everything about this club (Hyde United) — the people and everything and everybody involved with it. I just love it at Hyde. I love the club and the supporters.
“I live two hours’ drive away, so it’s a great thing to be able to look forward to coming into work irrespective of the long trip.”
Tomorrow, the Tigers visit Matlock Town in the Evo-stik NPL premier division with three midfielders needing fitness tests: Janni Lipka, Ross Daly and Grant Roberts.
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC travel to struggling North Ferriby Town looking for their first away win of the campaign.
Tom Brown (hamstring) is still missing but manager Simon Haworth is bolstered by the return of Greg Wilkinson and skipper Glenn Rule as the Bridge look to stretch their unbeaten run to five games.
In the first division west, GLOSSOP NORTH END co-bosses Mark Canning and Andy Bishop have signed three new players ahead of the match at Newcastle Town — midfielder Ian Bennett and striker Sam Madeley from Droylsden, and Hyde United striker Pete Boyle.
Danny Pemberton misses out with a hamstring injury, and Ollie Thornley and Ollie Turner have a virus. Darrhyl Mason faces a fitness test for a rolled ankle.
Dieter Downey and Godwin Abadaki both return for MOSSLEY who face Colwyn Bay at Seel Park. Attacking midfielder Aaron Dwyer has returned to the club from New Mills.
DROYLSDEN have no match. Defender Ben Barber has been transferred to Colne for an undisclosed fee.