Defensive dilemma ahead of derby at Stalybridge Celtic

FC United manager Karl Marginson must find a new centre-back partnership for Saturday’s trip to local rivals and former landlords, Stalybridge Celtic.

Luke Ashworth serves a one match suspension after picking up five yellow cards and, as previously reported, Tom Eckersley has decided to take a break from football. Meanwhile, fellow centre-back, summer signing Zac Corbett is on the longterm injury list as he awaits knee surgery due to a cist.

Scott Kay is the most likely candidate to sure up the defence, having previously played at centre-half, but Margy must decide on a suitable partner.

The Reds take on Celtic in a competitive match for the sixth time in seven years. With one win, one draw and three defeats in those contests so far, the Reds will be hoping for better.

Our hosts are second from bottom in the Vanarama National League North so should be beatable. But, as the Reds witnessed last Saturday with defeat to then bottom club Bradford Park Avenue, nothing can be taken for granted.

After three straight defeats, Margy is calling on his players to stand up and be counted. He said: "Mistakes have cost us recently. We need to cut them out and play to the best of our ability. We need to draw a line under the last couple of games and kick on on Saturday."

Margy, who celebrates his birthday on Remembrance Day, will be hoping that his players can deliver the perfect present - three points that will move us away from the relegation zone.

With only eight points separating the two clubs in the league, it’s a huge three points at stake for both sides tomorrow, to determine whether the gap closes or extends. A win for United could see them push up to 14th place, whilst a win for Celtic could put them in touching distance from leaving the bottom three.

Get yourself to that football ground.