⚫️ COVID-19: If you’re at a game tomorrow please adhere to all social-distancing guidelines. For more information, including admission, visit individual club websites. Use the NHS covid-19 app and look for the NHS QR posters — specific to each club — which offer a simple and secure way for everyone aged 16 and over to register their attendance. This will help NHS Test-and-Trace identify people who may have been exposed to the coronavirus. The app is available on Android and iOS at: https://covid19.nhs.uk/help-downloading.html
STALYBRIDGE CELTIC — the lone Tameside team in action tomorrow (Saturday) — face third-placed Basford United at Bower Fold still looking for their first Pitching In NPL premier division win of the season.
Things looked hopeful at Gainsborough in midweek when Jonathan Ustabasi gave Bridge an early lead, but they lost 3-2 to register their fifth defeat in six league and cup matches.
Manager Simon Haworth will be without loan signing Will Goodwin who suffered a serious ankle injury in last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Atherton Collieries. However, he welcomes Mike Burke, Keano Deacon and Freddie Sass back to the squad.
Haworth, who is desperately hoping for a change of fortune, said: "We could have beaten both Atherton and Gainsborough but for individual mistakes.
"It's frustrating because we're playing some good stuff only to let ourselves down with unnecessary and unpressured errors. We have to be smarter."
Tameside Council has informed Celtic that games at Bower Fold must be all-ticket while covid tier-3 restrictions apply. Tickets for tomorrow's match will be available on the club website until 1pm.
Joel Mills is pushing for a recall by GLOSSOP NORTH END who travel to Lincoln United in the first division south east. Lee Wilshaw is still troubled by a damaged ankle and Ali Sheriff and Yves Zama are not expected to be available until next week.
Jared Wild has signed for New Mills on a dual registration. "I'll be trying to sort out more players on these deals so they can get minutes and be ready when called upon," manager Peter Band explained.
HYDE UNITED return to action on Tuesday when they visit Mickleover after an enforced two-week break because of cases of coronavirus in the squad.
Apart from long-term injuries like Jordan Fagbola, the squad is fully fit. Liam Tongue and Janni Lipka are back and Tom Pratt has had plenty of time to rest a slight groin problem.
"The whole squad comes out of isolation on Saturday so we'll be training on Sunday," said boss Dave McGurk.
CURZON ASHTON are one of three clubs not playing tomorrow. They have a free date but go to Chester on Tuesday.
Manager Steve Cunningham said: "I know Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley and I'm looking forward to coming up against them. For me, they're the benchmark of north-west management that I measure myself against and the game gives me a chance to see how I'm doing.
"Chester are a big club and I'm relishing the chance to test myself again another side that made last season's play-offs.
"On Saturday I'm on a scouting mission up at Darlington."
Curzon's only absentee is likely to be Marcus Poscha who has a bad back. Darren Stephenson, Doug Whitham and Matty Waters all came through the 2-1 defeat of Farsley with no ill-effects.
Striker Dominic Knowles is also in contention. He pulled up towards the end of the Farsley game and started hobbling but Cunningham said: "Dom's been carrying an injury all season and we're trying to manage it.
"He's battle-scarred from years of football and years of knocks. I expect to be fine for Tuesday."
MOSSLEY and ASHTON UNITED have no match because of the coronavirus.