MIKE Welch will return to the Northwich Vics line-up for the visit of York City on Saturday.
Vics are without a win in three games but there seemed little danger while Welch was on the pitch at Grays.
He pulled a muscle at the top of his leg and had to be replaced.
Without their skipper Vics suddenly looked uncertain and were eventually beaten 2-1.
Richie Sutton remains sidelined with a groin injury.
York are unbeaten, but Northwich boss Dino Maamria believes Saturday could be the day when his team start to fulfil their potential.
Vics’ tough start to the campaign gets even harder on Monday (3pm) when they visit Mansfield Town, relegated from the Second Division last season.
Northwich also face Torquay and Oxford within the next 17 days, before their programme – on paper – gets easier.
Striker Aaron Burns has been loaned to Droylsden for three months and Vics have received a four figure fee from Chippenham Town for centre back Cortez Belle.
Witton Albion are at home to Hednesford Town on Monday, after a Saturday cross-country trip to North Ferriby United.
They were at Prescot Cables last night when Rod Thornley was absent because of his physio duties with the England football team.
He will be back by the weekend and it may be as partner to Keiran Lugsden up front with Steve Settle moving to the wing.
Chris Gahgan may be promoted from the subs bench soon.
“We have made an okay start, but we need someone to get goals though it may be a couple of weeks before any become available,” said manager Nigel Deeley.
Winsford United boss Joe Gibiliru was “hugely disappointed” with his team’s 3-3 draw with Nostell Welfare in the FA Cup.
“We are 3-1 up and close to the finish and were just too cavalier,” he said.
Dave Ridler was back in the team for last night’s replay. The winners are at Warrington Town a week on Saturday .
United are home to Squires Gate in the league on Saturday.
Read Prescot Cables v Witton Albion and Nostell MW v Winsford match reports at www.midcheshirechronicle.co.uk
