A WEEK after producing their finest performance of the season by winning at Scarborough Athletic, HYDE UNITED face Evo-stik NPL premier division leaders Nantwich Town at home tomorrow (Saturday).
And if they confounded the pundits, and their injury list, to come away from the Flamingo Land Stadium with all three points, they’ll have to do the same at Ewen Fields.
The Tigers are down to the bare bones with Luke Porritt and Matty Hughes both expected to miss the match. Midfielder Janni Lipka and defender Kyle Harrison are also doubts.
Manager Darren Kelly has brought in two academy players to help fill the gaps: goalkeeper Thierry Lewis and striker Paddy Lane.
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC are also up against it. They have to visit South Shields, a club with a 100 per cent home record.
Manager Simon Haworth is sweating on the fitness of central defender Michael Clarke who picked up an injury in training on Tuesday. Wide man James Caton and influential defender Josh Solomon-Davies are definitely out.
Celtic head to County Durham without a win in five matches.
In the first division north, new signing Owen Whitehead will feature in the GLOSSOP NORTH END squad to meet Prescot Cables at Surrey Street. The 18-year-old, who can play in defence or midfield, has been brought in from Manchester League Rochdale SH.
Joel Ankers and Josh Stachini both have knocks, and Olly Thornley will be returning to Curzon Ashton after the game.
Given the weather forecast, a pitch inspection has been arranged for around 9am tomorrow.
Former Ashton United and Hyde goalkeeper Josh Ollerenshaw has joined MOSSLEY, who travel to Widnes. Co-boss Dave Wild has also promoted attacking midfielder Abdul Kadiri Asamoah from the under-21s. Ben Purdham has returned to Curzon.
Logan Jeffs (groin) and Mason Duffy (hamstring) are both doubts.
Shaquille Antoine-Clarke, who was stretchered off at Prescot last week, faces a late fitness test ahead of DROYLSDEN’S home match with Leek Town. Michael Brewster is also a doubt.
As it’s FA Trophy first round day tomorrow, only one match goes ahead in National League North which means ASHTON UNITED and CURZON ASHTON have a free day.
Curzon will be playing a closed-door friendly against a Bolton Wanderers XI.
Striker Adam Morgan had a small operation earlier today to repair his stomach muscle wall and is expected to be out until the end of January. Connor Hughes has had a knee scan and is waiting for the results.
Ashton United are home to Stockport County on Tuesday evening.