PREVIEW: Pre-Season Friendlies

A number of our sides are in pre-season action this evening.

Stalybridge Celtic are back at Bower Fold and will host League Two outfit, Tranmere Rovers. The game will provide something of a trip through memory lane for Celtic boss Simon Haworth, who enjoyed three years at Prenton Park during his playing career, scoring 31 goals in 79 appearances. Celtic have played four friendlies so far, winning one, losing two and drawing one.

Glossop North End will be looking to build on Saturday's victory at Abbey Hey in the inaugural John Harvey Memorial Trophy. Stuart Mellish's side went a goal ahead in the fixture and took the lead into the half-time break, but were pegged back in the second-half and forced to conclude the game through a round of penalties, which the Hillmen subsequently won. They face a trip to Golcar United this evening, who currently compete two divisions below Glossop in the North West Counties First Division North.  

On Wednesday night, Ashton United host National League outfit, Stockport County. The Robins enter the game on the back of a 5-1 defeat to Crewe Alexandra last Thursday. It will be a tough test for Michael Clegg's side, as the Hatters have invested heavily into all aspects of the club - especially the playing squad - since local businessman Mark Stott took control at Edgeley Park. Last season, Simon Rusk's side were beaten in the National League playoff semi-final by Hartlepool United, who eventually went on to win promotion to League Two after a dramatic penalty shootout victory against Torquay United in the final at Bristol City's Ashton Gate.

Looking towards Saturday, Mossley make the journey to Cheadle Heath Nomads following the 2-1 defeat at Avro last weekend, whilst Curzon Ashton, buoyed by the the 3-1 win at Bamber Bridge last weekend, make the short trip to Stalybridge Celtic.