Skipper back in action but striker now a doubt

The striker picked up an injury to his foot in last Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Southport Hesketh.

But the striker’s exit paved the way for the return of Garstang skipper Gary Fawcett who played most of the second half after a four week absence due to an ankle injury.

Crossley says he is trying not to rush Fawcett’s recovery.

He said: “It is good to have him back in the squad.

“He is my captain but we don’t want to rush him back.

“He has been out for four weeks with an ankle injury.

“He came on just after half time for striker Liam Breslin who had been kicked on the top of his foot.

“It can be a sore one but we will get it assessed to see if he is fit to play in Saturday’s game.”

Crossley hailed goalkeeper Dan Curwen for his man-of-the-match performance against Southport.

He said: “We did alright.

“We were a bit fortunate on one or two occasions, we rode our luck a little bit.

“Our keeper pulled off a few decent saves, he got the sponsor’s man-of-the-match award and it was a solid back four performance.

“In the second half we scored again to make it two.

“But a lapse of concentration let them back in and they had one or two chances to equalise but we did alright and got all three points.”

The result leaves Garstang seventh in the West Lancs Football League Premier Division table ahead of Saturday’s clash against Crooklands.

And Crossley is hoping his men can get a run together and rise up the table.

He said: “We don’t underestimate anyone in the division.

“It will be a tough game. People have strengthened and it is a more competitive league this season but I am hoping we can get a run together.”