CUP kings HYDE UNITED will be looking to extend their record-breaking unbeaten run when they take on Ossett Town at Ewen Fields tomorrow (Saturday) in the Evo-stik NPL first division north.
The Tigers, whose unbeaten sequence stretches back 20 games to their Cheshire Senior Cup reverse at the hands of Crewe on March 7, have only one absentee. Luke Porritt is unable to play after hobbling out of Tuesday’s 2-0 FA Cup victory over premier division high-fliers Warrington Town.
Fortunately the injury is nowhere as bad as it first looked. A challenge left the influential left-winger writhing in agony but examinations at Tameside Hospital revealed that his ligaments were fine. However, he does have a deep gash which has been stitched and needs time to heal. Porritt could possibly be back for the third qualifying round tie at Boston Town next week.
Jack Stockdill faces another fortnight on the sidelines with his hamstring injury. Long-time deadleg victim Chris Churchman has started training.
Five days after their epic 3-2 victory at the Butchers Arms, GLOSSOP NORTH END face Colne at Surrey Street hoping to make it five wins in succession.
Dale Johnson (back) and Matty Russell (hamstring) are both injured. Jude Oyibo remains unavailable, but Chris Baguley returns. Gary Gee and Lewis Lacey come into the squad after moving from Stalybridge Celtic and FC United respectively.
New signing Cedric Krou could figure for MOSSLEY who are home to Atherton Collieries. Krou, who can play in midfield or central defence, comes in from FC United. Co-boss Peter Band is talking about the possibility of three more signings over the coming days.
Defender Caldon Henson is available for selection after completing a ban.
For tomorrow at least, when DROYLSDEN visit Trafford, their only concern is Jamie Frost who faces a late fitness test. The suspensions incurred by Luke Daly and Danny Hall, for being sent off in midweek, will not come into effect for another seven days.
In the premier division, bottom of the table STALYBRIDGE CELTIC take their quest for an away win to high-flying Coalville Town.
Beleaguered Bridge suffered their eighth consecutive away reverse at leaders Witton Albion on Tuesday, and they have won only once on their travels in the whole of 2017.
Under-fire boss Steve Burr will be without striker Matty Wolfenden (hamstring), defender Joe Garvin (knee) and keeper Joe Slinn (foot), although Slinn could return in time for Tuesday’s home clash with Halesowen. Craig Ellison will deputise between the sticks.
New signing Ross Killock is in contention for a start in defence as Burr looks to arrest the slide that has seen his team lose 15 of their last 18 games.
Manager Jody Banim says ASHTON UNITED are full of confidence for their trip to Nantwich Town and will be looking to win.
He commented: “I always thought of Marine as our bogey side but we’ve done them twice now. In terms of possession I think Tuesday was the best performance I’ve seen in my time at the club.
“It was a really controlled display. We were incisive, sharper to every ball, created a lot of opportunities, and it was good to watch. It’s really raised our spirits.”
Left-back Dominic Smalley came back at College Road and fellow defender Josh Stachini is ready to return pending a scan. The rest of the players on the Robins’ long injury list are at least two to three weeks away from fitness.
Paul Marshall joins Jordan Wright on the CURZON ASHTON sick list after picking up a hamstring strain at Stockport County last week.
However, Max Leonard has recovered from knee ligament strain and Richard Baker enters the squad for the first time for the game at third-placed Brackley in National League North.
Luke Clarke continues to train but manager John Flanagan does not consider him ready for inclusion yet. Rory Fallon has joined Runcorn Linnets on a dual registration to get some game time and will return to the Tameside Stadium after six to eight matches.