Good news for Brighouse Town this week on the injury front with two key players set to be in contention for a recall against Ossett United on Boxing Day in the derby at the Yorkshire Payments Stadium (1.0).
Assistant manager Stacy Reed said that skipper Tom Haigh (swollen ankle) trained both nights last week, and after two more sessions this week would be fit to lead the side on Monday. He has missed the last three games and would be a major asset in midfield with Corey Gregory still to serve a match from his two match ban from a sending off at Consett.
Reed also revealed that centre back Aiden Walker, who has been out with a leg injury for the past nine weeks, will also be fit after two good sessions and more workouts this week.
Right winger Jack Wilson on loan from Bradford City will also be back in contention. Injured one game into his loan he returned to City for treatment but they have now sent him back to further increase the squad for the festive holiday games which see Town also head to the Brewery Fields, Tadcaster, on New Year’s Day. That game will now also kick off at one o’clock after an approach from the club that currently sits bottom of the Northern Premier League Division One East table.
Former FC Halifax Town and Bradford PA winger Alex King, who came on as a substitute against Lincoln United in the 2-2 home draw and really impressed after a dual registration agreement with Hallam FC, is also in line for a place in the side.
“He was down to play against Pontefract Collieries before the frost intervened and its good that the squad is receiving a real boost at this time with the two derby games to challenge us,” said Reed.
Ossett United are currently two places and two points below Town and their experienced manager Grant Black has just treated himself to a Christmas signing in James Carvell a pacy winger/striker from Barwell Town. He has previously played for Ilkeston and his hometown club Belper.
Town are hoping for their best gate of the season and also keen to see the game go ahead with only one home game in the past five weeks.
Having lost their physiotherapist Emily Harnden to Harrogate Town, the club are still searching for a permanent physio and its not proving an easy task. Its a paid position and the club are asking if any interested physiotherapists would contact the club on 07483 119054.
The January 21 home game with Sheffield FC will be a tribute day to former player Peter Gill who passed away at the end of November.
Two of his former colleagues Bob Pinder and Mark Wood, who is also on Town’s executive committee, are in conjunction with his family rounding up all his old pals for a day of celebration of his life.
At the Boxing Day game, vice chairman and director of football Charlie Tolley is once more putting up two bottles of champagne for the best festive dressed home supporter and visiting supporter.
Town’s manager has organised a friendly with NPL Premier Division club Stalybridge Celtic at their Bower Fold ground this Thursday evening 7.45.
Powell felt his team needed some match practice-always better then training, in his words- and was delighted when Lincoln Adams, assistant manager to Chris Wilcox, came on and suggested the game as they felt they were in the same boat after the recent freeze up.
It is not behind closed doors and Town fans will be able to gain admission.
