AFTER almost four months in charge at CURZON ASHTON, Steve Cunningham finally gets the chance to lead his newly-assembled squad into a competitive fixture tomorrow (Saturday), and he can't wait to test his mettle.
"We're all very, very eager to play. It's been a long, drawn-out and frustrating pre-season and the lads are keen to make their competitive debuts," said the Nash boss.
Like all the other Tameside clubs, Curzon are at home and in action in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup. They face FC United, which in normal times would draw a huge crowd to the Tameside Stadium. However, this game has to take place behind closed doors as National League sides are subject to the Government's elite sport protocols. Details of a streaming service, at a cost of £5, will be revealed in the morning.
Even so, it's bound to be hard-fought tie with the winners picking up a check for £3,375 (the losers get £1,125).
The big question is what line-up Cunningham will choose having radically reshaped the squad since taking over in June. Earlier today he was revealing little other than his delight to have completed the signing of former Harrogate Town striker Dominic Knowles from Boston United.
He added: "We had a doubt about Matty Waters but he's okay. Other than that there will be a couple of fitness tests but really we've got a full squad, and that squad's full of real quality and looking strong.
"FC United may have an advantage as they've played a few games, but we're very keen to start."
Darius Palma, who has featured for Hyde United, has been allowed to join Wythenshawe Town to get some games under his belt. Aarron Grewal has gone to West Didsbury and Chorlton for the same reason.
Greg Hartley and Louis Almond both return for unbeaten ASHTON UNITED who will be hoping to go one better against South Shields after Tuesday's league draw in which they led 3-1 with 15 minutes left. Injured Liam Tomsett misses the Hurst Cross clash.
It's a case of swings and roundabouts for STALYBRIDGE CELTIC as they prepare to face NWCL premier division Longridge Town at Bower Fold.
Skipper Scott Sephton, Matty Makinson and Callum Harris are all fit after spells on the sidelines. But Keano Deacon (hamstring), Ben Woods and Freddie Sass (both ankle) join Nic Evangelinos (groin) and Charley Doyle (ankle) on the injury list after Tuesday's home defeat by Scarborough.
Makinson and Harris are both in line for debuts as Celtic look to progress into the third qualifying round for the first time since 2016.
Ben Richardson is the only absentee for MOSSLEY who suffered their first defeat of the season in midweek after a 100 per cent start. Their opponents at Seel Park are fellow NPL first division north west outfit Tadcaster Albion.
HYDE UNITED are up against Fylde who went as far as the third round of the FA Cup last season, where they lost to Premier League Sheffield United before being relegated to National League North.
The Tigers must be hoping to catch the Lancashire side cold as tomorrow will be their first competitive fixture in almost seven months, but Fylde will be taking the encounter very seriously.
Manager Jim Bentley said: "Hyde are a good side. I watched them against FC United and what impressed me most was their energy and desire. They have some good players and they all work extremely hard, typified by Tom Pratt. They are a dangerous outfit."
The Tigers have a full squad except for the long-term injuries such as Jordan Fagbola and Harry Benns. Midfielder Janni Lipka should be available next weekend.
GLOSSOP NORTH END, who have ended their poor start by taking four points from their last two games, are in league action. They welcome Belper Town to the Amdec Forklift Stadium in the Pitching In NPL first division south east.
Bevan Burey serves a one-match ban while Lee Wilshaw faces a fitness test.