MATCH PREVIEW: First visit to Abbey Lane
The Reds squad will spend quite a few hours on the M6 on Saturday as they make a first ever visit to Hanley Town for their latest NPL West Division encounter (3pm).
It will be a round trip of almost 350 miles and one of their longest journeys of the season for a first ever meeting versus the Northern Premier League new boys.
Formed in 1966, Town progressed through their local leagues and, for a while in the seventies, ground shared with Eastwood Hanley who we did play in the NPL in the late eighties.
As the club developed, they played their football in the Staffordshire County, Mid Cheshire, North West Counties and the Midland leagues before being elevated to Step Four at the end of last season.
About twelve months ago, they did feature on the BBC when their FA Cup tie v. Brackley Town was televised live on the Saturday lunch time slot.
They have found life tough this season and currently occupy 18th spot in the division with ten points to their credit from three wins and a draw.
Reds moved up to seventh following last week’s last-gasp victory and manager Danny Grainger admitted he may have one or two selection posers as those who missed the Runcorn match return to the squad.
Bobby Carroll did return last Saturday for his first taste of action since August but Tom Mahone appeared to be severing links with the club after signing for Carlisle City.
Other than the long-term injured trio – Ben Hughes, Greg McCaragher and Robbie Hebson – the manager should have a seventeen-man squad to select from.
Venue:
The Payaro Stadium
Abbey Lane
Bucknall
Stoke-on-Trent
ST2 8AJ
