PREVIEW of the weekend's non-league football action.

Ashton United skipper Darren Royle has been ruled out of leading the Hurst Cross side's last push to qualify for the new Northern Alliance.

Royle, son of former City boss Joe, hobbled off late in Ashton's 2-1 play-off quarter-final victory over Hyde on Tuesday and will now miss tomorrow's home semi against Bradford Park Avenue and, should the Robins get there, the final on Bank Holiday Monday.

That's a big blow to boss Gerry Quinn, who will almost certainly attempt to cover for Royle's absence at the heart of his defence by moving Danny White across from left-back and handing Pete Carty the No 3 shirt.

Andy Thackeray is almost certain to take over as captain, while Lincoln Adams, who recovered from concussion to head the goal which sank Hyde, is a certain starter.

Should Ashton triumph, they could face a home final date with their UniBond premier neighbours Radcliffe, who entertain Burscough in the other semi.

Boro's fading morale has been boosted following Tuesday's surprise penalty shoot-out win at Whitby and, having started the play-offs as rank outsiders, they can sense a real chance to win a place in the Nationwide Conference's new northern feeder division.

Elsewhere, premier runners-up Droylsden return to Hucknall, scene of their midweek UniBond League Cup final victory, to face the Nottinghamshire side again in the champions-v-cup winners clash.

Clitheroe need only draw their final game at Nantwich to pip promoted Mossley to the NWCL title.

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