DAVE WILD is hoping a combination of home advantage and a lively crowd will roar MOSSLEY through to an FA Cup victory tomorrow (Saturday) and a £9,000 prize payment.
The Seel Park co-boss, whose side have made an impressive start to the season, believes the Lilywhites have what it takes to reach the third qualifying round of the competition for the first time since 2010.
He commented: “We’re up against Kidsgrove who play in the same division as ourselves and have a very similar record. We won’t be underestimating them but it’s a really good opportunity to make it into the next round. Fingers-crossed we can seize that chance and kick on.”
Striker Mike Fish (shoulder) is the only definite Mossley absentee. Godwin Abadaki faces a fitness test.
CURZON ASHTON will come up against an old face at Radcliffe. Striker Nathan Wharton, who was released during the summer, has scored eight goals in nine appearances for the Neuven Stadium side who top the Evo-stik NPL first division west and beat Stalybridge in the last round.
Nash manager John Flanagan said: “Even though we play two levels higher than Radcliffe it’s anybody’s game for me.
“Radcliffe have started extremely well and they’ll be very hungry. I expect Ben Wharton to be a real handful.”
Curzon’s own star striker, Adam Morgan, misses the tie after picking up a hamstring injury in training. Oliver Crankshaw is also out, having an injured a foot against Brackley last week.
On the plus side, Danny Shaw has improved faster than expected and could be available if he passes a morning fitness test. Cameron McJannett is also in contention having recovered from a calf strain.
Jody Banim is likely to pick an unchanged side when ASHTON UNITED face Trafford at Hurst Cross.
In the Evo-stik premier division, STALYBRIDGE CELTIC will attempt to put their disappointing midweek Integro Cup performance at Hyde behind them when they take on struggling Matlock Town at Bower Fold.
Midfielders Tom Brown (hamstring) and Greg Wilkinson (hip) will again be missing through injury, but winger James Caton, who has arrived on loan from Darlington, will start as manager Simon Haworth looks to freshen things up.
Luke Porritt should return for HYDE UNITED who are away to Whitby Town. Janni Lipka, who was substituted as a precaution early in Tuesday’s derby with Stalybridge, should also be fit to play.
Chris Sutherland could be back to fitness by early October.
In the first division west, GLOSSOP NORTH END face DROYLSDEN in a derby clash at Surrey Street.
The Hillmen, who recorded their first win in midweek when they beat Grantham 6-0 in the Integro Cup, have no injuries. Their squad will be the same except for the inclusion of former Mossley midfielder Jack Tuohy.
Droylsden could feature two new players — both of them ex-Manchester United forwards.
Phil Marsh was acquired from Rhyl at the start of the week, after a long wait for international clearance.
Febian Brandy, who was at Ebbsfleet last season, was a very popular Old Trafford reserve-team player ten years ago and scored the goal that beat Juventus in the Champions Youth Cup final in 2007. Small, fast and exciting, he was seen by some as having the potential to be a red Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Dave Pace’s only injury doubt is Domaine Rouse. Midfielder Ian Bennett has been released.