Weekend Non-league Football Previews
MORE than 100 HYDE UNITED fans — almost a third of the regular home attendance — will be heading for Mariners Park tomorrow (Saturday) for a match that could have a huge influence on their club’s promotion and indeed championship ambitions.
The Tigers will be facing Evo-stik NPL first division north title favourites South Shields, a side described by Mossley co-boss Lloyd Morrison as packed with mature, experienced former professionals.
Morrison says Hyde will have to be at the top of their game to get something from the fixture, yet they could be visiting the Mariners at a propitious time. Shields have drawn three of their last six games, most recently in midweek when they were held 0-0 at home by Tadcaster.
The Mariners will be without injured defender Anthony Callaghan and striker Gavin Cogdon, but are hoping midfielder Barrie Smith will be available after recovering from illness. Cogdon, who scored a hat-trick against Mossley two weeks ago, suffered a hamstring injury in Tuesday’s match.
Joint-manager Lee Picton said: “It was always going to be a big game, but it is even more so after the points we dropped over the Christmas and on Tuesday.
“Anything other than a top performance will leave us falling short. We’ve got to come out on the front foot. Hopefully we can add the little bit of quality in the final third that seems to be eluding us at the moment.”
Hyde, in contrast, should be at virtual full strength. Only Chris Sutherland is likely to be missing. Big Khamsuk and Tom Pratt, who were substituted at their own request in midweek, are expected to be fit.
In the Evo-stik premier division, ASHTON UNITED will be involved in their own promotion six-pointer at second-placed Shaw Lane, should it go ahead. The Sheerien Park pitch, already very wet, faces more heavy rain. An inspection has been scheduled for 10am.
If the game was called off, it would probably suit the Robins as they have a squad of only 14 players available and that includes manager Jody Banim and his assistant Simon Woodford.
Ryan Makhosini (ankle) is injured alongside long-term victim Matty Chadwick. John Roberts (ankle) is doubtful and midfielder Alex Johnson is ruled out because of work. Defender Lanre Olapede is suspended.
Manager Jody Banim said: “The 11 we’ll have on the field will be more than capable of going to Barnsley and winning. Problems will only arise if we get injuries or need to make tactical changes.
“It’s disappointing that we won’t have a full squad to choose from because we got a good result in midweek against Stourbridge. Injuries and not being able to carry a big squad are our undoing. Other clubs have the freedom to go out and sign someone but for us it’s leave things as they are or 50 quid.”
In a third big game, CURZON ASHTON visit FC United in National League North. Their squad situation is the same as last week.
Ryan Brooke has a back injury and Jordan Wright is 50/50 because of a pelvic strain. Paul Marshall continues to struggle with a damaged heel and is unlikely to be involved, but Tyrell McKenzie is available for selection having overcome thigh and ankle problems.
Defender Ross Killock returns to the squad for STALYBRIDGE CELTIC’s first-ever visit to Barwell. He has recovered from a calf injury that has kept him out since November.
With Theo Bailey-Jones also available after recovering from a knock received in the draw at Buxton a fortnight ago, manager Steve Burr has the rare pleasure of a full squad to choose from for the Evo-stik premier league clash.
Celtic did get their first away win of the season at Alsager in the Cheshire Senior Cup but they travel to Leicestershire looking for their first Saturday away win for 65 weeks.
Elsewhere in the first division north, Alex Frost will again be out for DROYLSDEN, who visit Colne, where there will be a pitch inspection in the morning. Dylan Smith broke his nose on Tuesday and can’t get it reset until next week. He faces a fitness test as does Ben Barber.
A broken nose also poses problems for GLOSSOP NORTH END in their home game with Ossett Town. Gary Gee is the man struggling and will be assessed tomorrow. Otherwise the Hillmen should be at full strength.
MOSSLEY, who are without a win in 2018, ought to fancy their chances away to bottom club Goole. Co-bosses Peter Band and Lloyd Morrison are hoping to have Matty Crothers back on loan from Curzon.
Caldon Henson has been released and has joined Clitheroe.