Brown Out

Brown was injured in pre-season prior to the match at Carlisle but it was thought the knock was only minor an dhe would return before the season started. Today it was confirmed that Brown would miss the season opener.

This leaves Irvine with a problem of who to partner Mellor up front. The most likely option will be Simon Whaley who played away at Crewe alongside Mellor as a second striker.

The selection of Whaley would also cast doubts over the futures of strikers Hawley and Ormerod who are more suited to playing in the centre forward role.