Match Preview

Whitby Town joint-boss Nathan Haslam is preparing his side for a tough battle when they face Mickelover at the Don Amott Arena on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

PitchingIn Northern Premier League Premier Division action returns for the Blues this weekend following their Emirates FA Cup victory at Warrington Rylands last Saturday.

The Seasiders were without a game in midweek, with their scheduled game with FC United of Manchester having to be postponed due to the Red Rebels requiring a cup replay.

After a week off, Haslam wants his side to focus on the task in hand as his and Lee Bullock's side target a second league win on the trot against a side who he expects to cause problems.

"It's going to be a hard game on a 4G first and foremost," he said.

"Mickleover are a good technical and experience side who are attack-minded - everything you'd expect from this level really. We're going to be playing against a strong team."

Whitby will have to do without the services of Adam Gell - who has started the last two games against Morpeth Town and Warrington Rylands respectively.

But Town have received some positive news regarding Daniel Rowe, who could be available for selection sooner than expected.

"There'll be a decision to be made on Saturday regarding Dan Rowe," said Haslam.

"He's had an operation on his nose which has seen it reset. He's declared himself as fit, so it's really just a case of having one more look and deciding on Saturday."

On Gell's injury, Haslam added: "We're going to need a little bit longer with Gelly. There seems to be a deep-routed bruise within his hip so he's definitely going to be out on Saturday.

"We also had to take Jameel (Ible) off last week, but there are no issues with him. He's fit."