News

Barrett has missed the last few weeks of the season due to a very serious family situation which will continue to impact his availability going forward however, manager Gary Norton is glad to see the experience Barrett return to his squad this weekend.

On Barrett’s return Norton commented, “I won’t comment publicly what the situation is with regards to Jamie’s current or continued availability other than to say he and his family know they have our love and support through this very difficult time for all concerned. As well as knowing Jamie through football over the last 15 years or so he and his family are personal friends of mine off the pitch and what they are dealing with at the moment is huge they are dealing with it amazingly. The situation certainly puts football into perspective.”

He added, “We have made it clear to Jamie that as and when he feels able to be involved with the squad now and going forward just to let us know. He indicated last week that he was hopeful of being available for this weekend and going we will review it on a game by game basis. The lads and many of our supporters who are aware of the situation are really looking forward to seeing him up at the club on Saturday.

In other team news Eric Graves, Kane Jellyman and Alex Steadman all return to the squad after missing the midweek league cup win at Carlton Town but Martin Smyth (wedding) and Albert Lansdowne (suspension) will be missing. Landsdowne starts the first of a 3 match ban received as a result of last weekend's red card against tomorrow’s opponents in the reverse fixture after the Tulips grabbed a last gasp 93rd minute penalty equaliser for a share of the spoils. He will also miss Tuesday nights Derbyshire Senior Cup game against Mickleover Sports at the Moat (7.45pm KO) and as it stands with no fixture on Saturday Nov 10th (due to Ossett Town’s involvement in the FA trophy) Cleethorpes Town will be the next first team game at the Moat Ground on the 17th Nov.

Dominic Allen is named in the squad after his midweek return from Belper Town and he impressed at fullback on Wednesday despite having not played a game since early September. Dexter Morris Clarke returned from the bench at Spalding last week and started at Carlton in midweek showing he has fully recovered from the knee injury that kept him out for 5 weeks.

Connor Ward who started in midweek drops out of the squad and will play for the Reserves to gain further match fitness whilst Zaki Evans is still recovering from an ankle injury and is possibly another week or two away from playing. Youngsters Harry Lansdowne and Jake McIntosh are again involved.