MONDAY’S Tameside derby at Ewen Fields could take on an even bigger significance than usual. Normally, only local bragging rights are on offer. This time, the annual grudge match might well decide STALYBRIDGE CELTIC’s future as an Evo-stik NPL club.
Since Christmas, Bridge have fallen like a stone. They have lost eight of their last nine games and four in a row at Bower Fold. That has left them in 18th place in the table, only three points clear of the relegation slots. They desperately need to take something from the Easter programme and hope that Mickleover and Bamber Bridge stumble.
Not only form, but fixtures, suggest Celtic face the toughest matches. As well as facing their arch-rivals Hyde United on Monday, they are home to third-placed Warrington tomorrow (Saturday).
Bamber Bridge are home to Matlock and then away to Marine. Mickleover are home to Basford on Monday and then on Saturday, April 27 — the last day of the season — visit Bamber Bridge.
For the Warrington match, Stalybridge will be without the suspended Ross Dent, and defender Elliott Cooke who has an injured knee. However, they welcome back striker Andy Scott and defender Josh Solomon-Davies.
HYDE UNITED’S start of Easter at league leaders Farsley Celtic. Although Tom Pratt, Janni Lipka and Grant Roberts all trained last night (Thursday) and should be fit to play, they will be assessed in the morning.
It’s looking as though Ryan Crowther’s return may have been limited to one appearance. His damaged knee looks to have ruled him out of the Tigers’ final two games. They have no match next weekend as they were meant to face North Ferriby.
In the first division west, MOSSLEY need to lift themselves after the disappointment of losing the Manchester Premier Cup final.
Still battling to claim a play-off place, they face a tricky encounter at Ramsbottom and then take on Glossop at Seel Park on Monday.
Co-boss Dave Wild says he has a full squad to choose from.
GLOSSOP NORTH END, buoyed by their midweek victory over Newcastle Town, are home to Kidsgrove tomorrow.
Matty Holmes and Kayde Coppin come back into the squad after working away, and Jason Hill has recovered following a car accident.
Shaq Clarke is listed as a slight doubt for DROYLSDEN as they prepare to face Market Drayton at the Butchers Arms tomorrow and then visit struggling Kendal on Easter Monday.