MANY of tomorrow (Saturday’s) games are in doubt and could be called off if overnight rain is as bad as forecast.
HYDE UNITED have an 8.30am pitch inspection arranged in case they have to tell their visitors — Evo-stik NPL premier division leaders Blyth Spartans — not to travel. If the match is played, several new signings could figure for the Tigers who have not won a league game since the end of October.
Lowe has signed defender Kyle Brownhill on a month’s loan from Telford United. Defender Adam Jones returns to Ewen Fields from Shaw Lane Aquaforce, and the Hyde boss has also picked up French-born Congolese former Burnley midfielder Andreas Bianga. Striker Frank Van Gils joins from FC United.
Scott Spencer, still suffering the effects of a knee injury, is under a month’s ban for not immediately reporting to the FA “an approach by a third party related to seeking to influence the outcome or conduct of a match or competition” even though he was not involved in any attempt to fix matches and did not accept any money or gifts.
On the injury front, Sam Fitton is unlikely to return before mid-March. Jordan Snodin is described as a week away. Young Adam Jones faces another two to three weeks out.
If the game goes ahead there will be a minute’s applause for former player and manager Eric Webster led by some of his 1968 era squad: Les Sutton, Jimmy Clark, Paul Fitzgerald, Joe Clayton and Dennis Middleton.
Cavell Coo remains sidelined with a hip injury as ASHTON UNITED prepare to visit Frickley Athletic. Matt Chadwick is 50/50 with an ankle problem while late checks are in line for Martin Pilkington (foot) and Joe Connor (bug).
In Vanarama North, STALYBRIDGE CELTIC have a full squad available for the home clash with North Ferriby but the match is in severe doubt and there will be a pitch inspection at 10am.
CURZON ASHTON go to Gainsborough Trinity without Alex Brown who starts a two-match ban. Jordan Wright is out with a torn hamstring and Liam Tomsett remains sidelined with ankle ligament damage. Goalkeeper Hakan Burton is unavailable following the birth of a son.
Matt Flynn has returned to training after breaking a foot and should be available in a fortnight.
In the Evo-stik first division north, only the suspended Eddie Moran is missing for GLOSSOP NORTH END who are away to Kendal Town where there will be a pitch inspection at around 9am.
James Hampson is the only doubt for DROYLSDEN, at home to Spennymoor. Michael Fish and Godwin Abadaki are injured for MOSSLEY who welcome Scarborough to Seel Park.