DROYLSDEN boss Dave Pace has issued a ''pay up'' ultimatum to Hyde United over midfielder Dave Nolan - the man the Tigers want to replace departed boss Mike McKenzie.

Nolan is free to leave the Bloods to become Hyde's caretaker-chief, but Droylsden are demanding cash to release him from his playing registration.

And Pace is warning the Tigers that, if they don't cough up by today, they risk having to do without Nolan the player until after they've met Droylsden in a Tameside derby crunch a week on Sunday.

Said Pace: ''If Hyde don't agree to pay up right away, Nolo will be playing for us in the FA Cup at Bradford tomorrow.

''Should we draw, I'd also need him for the replay and, in that case, Hyde can forget me releasing him for our game against them.''

Hyde want Nolan in charge for their Cup date at Vauxhall, although they have made contingency plans for his absence.

The Tigers are mindful, too, that if Nolan instead plays for Droylsden, he will automatically be Cup-tied.

Pace, meanwhile, is poised to sign Stalybridge striker Matty McNeil, who Celts' chief Paul Futcher had said a fortnight ago was not for sale. But Pace has abandoned his audacious bid to land Chester's transfer-listed England semi-pro 'keeper Wayne Brown after being put off by the player's wage demands. Pace is also preparing to speak to Maine Road's star striker, Jock Russell.

But, whatever the outcome, Russell will definitely start for the Chorlton giant-killers in their big home Cup clash with Marine.

Also in second qualifying round action tomorrow are Altrincham, who entertain UniBond foes Frickley.

Ashton United's Gareth Morris, who scored the fastest goal in Cup history, will attempt to inspire the on-song Hurst Cross Robins against visiting Stocksbridge.

Neighbours Ramsbottom go to Whitby and Rossendale visit Thackley.

Stalybridge seek to end a nine-match winless sequence at Telford in the Nationwide Conference while Leigh travel to Yeovil.

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