Enforced changes for Ossett game

COLWYN BAY are forced to make a couple of changes to their side for Saturday's away game at struggling Ossett Town (Jan 22).
Danny Meadowcroft will partner Joe McMahon in the centre of defence as Danny Grannon is unavailable due to work commitments, and in midfield Gareth Evans will replace Max Power who has been recalled early from his loan spell by injury-hit Tranmere Rovers.
Jack Mackreth is also back with Tranmere although Dave Challinor is hoping both he and Power (who both played for Tranmere Reserves in midweek) may be able to return for a second spell later in the season.
Colwyn Bay have now completed the signing of striker Aaron Rey from Chorley, but he is likely to start on the bench at Ossett as Challinor sticks with the same attack that did so well in the 4-1 at Bradford Park Avenue last weekend.
"Aaron hasn't played competitively for four or five weeks so he has to get his fitness back," explained Challinor. "In saying that, he has trained with us twice this week and has looked really sharp. He's strong, quick, powerful and direct and will certainly give us another goal threat.
"Rob Hopley's loan runs out in two weeks so it's vital we have options at the top end of the pitch for the remainder of the season."
Saturday's game is subject to an early morning inspection after heavy overnight frost left the pitch frozen yesterday, but Challinor is anxious that the game can go ahead.
"It is important we play and maintain the momentum from last week ahead of three huge games in eight days against Matlock, FC United and Worksop," he said.
Ossett's only win in 10 home league games this season was against a Retford side who are 11 points adrift at the foot of the table, and today's game should provide second-placed Colwyn Bay with three more points on a day when four or their closest rivals in the top six play each other (Matlock v Marine and Buxton v North Ferriby).
Ossett were trounced 8-1 at Halifax on Tuesday night, but Challinor knows his side must guard against complacency.
Ossett manager Phil Sharpe says he is looking for a big response from his players after Tuesday and Challinor warned: "We can't afford to take them lightly. Ossett apparently played well for 20 minutes or so on Tuesday and could have been a couple of goals up before Halifax scored. They also showed a lot of spirit last weekend to come from 0-3 down at Marine and level the scores at 3-3.
"The first goal is going to be crucial and we need to play at a high tempo from the start."
Colwyn Bay: Sanna, Denson, Lea, McMahon, Meadowcroft, McLachlan, Evans, Allen, Hopley, Newby, Noon. Subs (from) Rey, Sheehan, Davey, Bailey.
Alex Titchiner has joined Witton on a month's loan, while goalkeeper Danny Roberts has signed for Leek Town following Chris Sanna's return from Chester.