IF the FA Trophy is about stepping into the unknown, CURZON ASHTON have missed out. Tomorrow (Saturday) in the third qualifying round they will find themselves visit Leamington who are just beneath them in the National League North table.
Manager John Flanagan has a quarter of injured players on the verge of a return but it’s very unlikely that any of them will feature at Harbury Lane.
Richie Baker is in light training after a hamstring problem and Tyrell McKenzie is 90 per cent fit following a thigh strain. Both could figure next weekend.
Paul Marshall (heel) could be back by Christmas, as could Andreas Bianga who has started training after a broken metatarsal.
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC will be rank underdogs when they travel to the North East to take on National League North high-fliers Blyth Spartans.
The Bower Fold side have recorded only one away win in their last 26 attempts while Spartans are unbeaten at home in the league since August.
Steve Burr’s men will have to attempt to pull off the unlikeliest of results without central defender Ross Killock who limped off with a pulled muscle in last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Hednesford Town.
Striker Lewis Lacy returns from suspension for GLOSSOP NORTH END who are home to Workington.
Central defender Adam Jones is rated as 50/50 while Michael Connor is suspended. Dale Johnson and Ben Deegan are both doubtful.
Domaine Rouse is the only absentee for DROYLSDEN who will have to bridge a two-division gap if they are to get anything from National League North Telford United. Rouse could return next weekend.
Each winning side in the Trophy will receive £5,000 in prize money.
HYDE UNITED, who suffered their first Evo-stik NPL first division north defeat of the season at Clitheroe last Saturday, have to visit table-topping Bamber Bridge.
Jack Stockdill and skipper Paddy Milly are both injured. However, influential midfielder Big Khamsuk – now on a contract – returns. New signing Dominic Marie could feature.
MOSSLEY, who are home to Brighouse Town, have lost the services of winger Marko Basic who has been recalled from his loan spell by Halifax Town.
Liam Ellis and Cedric Krou are back in contention and striker Harry Pratt has been signed on loan from Chorley.
ASHTON UNITED have no match.