MATCH PREVIEW: No additions to squad
Deadline day passed without any business being completed, leaving Mark Fell to fulfil the season without any further additions to the team.
He will go into Saturday’s home game versus Mickleover with what many regard as a decent squad, albeit without the suspended Steven Rigg. The top scorer will miss the encounter against the team currently in 21st position, plus the upcoming trips to Macclesfield and Leek.
Riggy converted two penalties in the 3-1 away win over Mickleover back in November but he will be sidelined for the return.
It will be Mickleover’s fifth visit to Borough Park but their first since 2019 when they recorded their first victory in west Cumbria. This will be the tenth meeting between the clubs and the honours, so far, are even with four wins apiece and one draw.
The success at the Don Amott Arena before Christmas was obtained in the midst of Storm Bert and played in torrential rain throughout. Jake Allan netted his first goal for the club, in between Riggy’s two spot-kicks, with Tyreace Palmer replying for the Derbyshire club.
Despite last week’s excellent win over Whitby, Mickleover are still deep in relegation trouble and nine points from safety with just five games remaining after Saturday.
They returned to the NPL last summer after spending the two most recent seasons in the Southern League Central Division. They are one of several Midlands clubs who yo-yo between the Northern and Southern Premier Leagues.
Wherever they are placed next season, we wish them well. Reds go into the fixture in 16th position with 43 points in the bank.
