BAD weatheris the worry as clubs prepare for tomorrow (Saturday’s) games. And if Bower Fold – currently under a blanket of snow – is unplayable for Stalybridge Celtic’s Vanarama North six-pointer with Bradford Park Avenue, their fans will have to wait for the unveiling of new loan signing Michael Potts.
Potts, a midfielder, has arrived on an initial month’s loan from Conference North leaders Fylde.
Should the game go ahead it will be the final one of Matty Hughes’s four-match ban and he will return to the squad for next weekend’s derby trip to Stockport County.
Kelvin Bleau faces a late fitness test after missing last Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Tamworth with a groin strain. Stefan Galinski is also doubtful after limping off with a knee injury but Nathan Heath will be back in the squad after recovering from a stomach bug.
There could be two new faces in the Hyde squad if their game at Guiseley is played. A pitch inspection is due at Nethermoor at 10.30 in the morning.
The Tigers have brought in midfielder Ben Holmes from Huddersfield Town, and defender Perry Ng from Crewe Alexandra, both on a month’s youth loan.
Holmes, an Oldhamer, can play in a variety of positions across the middle and appeared in Huddersfield’s 2-1 victory over Manchester United in last season’s FA Youth Cup.
Ng (pronounced en-gee) can play anywhere across the back line.
Ashton United have everyone available for their Evo-stik NPL premier division home match with Nantwich Town. Curzon Ashton hopefully head across Manchester to Trafford but still without Simon Woodford (hamstring), Joe Guest (banned) and Simon Lakeland (thigh). Alex Brown returns after suspension.
In the first division north, Droylsden will be hoping to pick up their first league win since New Year’s Day when they entertain Brighouse. An inspection of the Butchers Arms pitch is due for 9.30am.
Peter Dogan and Jake Hibbs are both out. Shaun Myler faces a late fitness test.
Matty Burke has left the club, but the Bloods have signed defender Danny Ting from Ossett Albion.
Mossley’s game with Farsley has already been called off because of heavy snow on the pitch. Had it been played they would have been without Dougie Carroll who is still injured. However, Matty Purcell and Tom Dean are now available. Eder Ruiz has been loaned to Congleton Town.
In the North West Counties League, Glossop North End’s home match with 1874 Northwich is in doubt because of snow on the pitch although there are hopes it can be cleared in time if conditions are not too bad overnight.
Manager Chris Willcock has not injuries or suspensions to worry about.