Returning stars bolster Blues

Leek Town's central defender George Melling is expected to return to manager Lee Casswell's side on Tuesday night after completing a one match ban.

Melling missed Saturday's 3-1 Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division South win over Lincoln United at Harrison Park but will be back in the squad for the midweek trip to Gresley followed by Sheffield away at the weekend.

The Blues manager's squad will be further bolstered by the return from injury of midfielder Anthony Danylyk and winger Tom Urwin. Michael Thomas will also make the trips along with new midfielder Furo Davies.

The Nigerian signed from Cheshire League outfit Whalley Bridge FC and won a seat on the bench at the weekend. The 24-year-old won his chance at the Evo-Stik NPL First Division South club after scoring twice in a trial game last week and was drafted in to cover for the absence of Peter Wright and Dan Cope.

However, Leek will soon have make do without leading scorer Tim Grice who is facing a three match ban following his sending off after scoring twice on Saturday’s win. Grice will miss the home game against Halesowen Town on 16 February followed by away fixtures at Market Drayton Town and Brigg Town.

Casswell has also failed in a bid to hang onto loan defender Ellis Storey after he played his last game for the club at the weekend following the completion of his one month deal from Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division Ilkeston FC.

Storey played three games during his stay, winning all three, but told Robins manager Kevin Wilson that travelling was a problem.