Barrow V Macclesfield at Holker Street - Match Preview




Rested Hunter ready for Silkmen

Barrow manager Dave Bayliss is expected to recall midfielder Garry Hunter for the visit of Macclesfield in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Hunter was rested in the midweek FA Trophy draw with Hyde as he was on four bookings and Bayliss wanted to protect him from picking up a fifth, which would have triggered an automatic one-match suspension.

James Owen is also pushing for a place in the Barrow starting XI. The midfielder has missed the past two months with a heart murmur, seeking out the opinion of specialists, who have subsequently cleared him to play.

He made his comeback with a 10-minute cameo late on against Hyde and his presence along with Hunter in the starting line-up could see Bayliss opt to change his formation to 4-4-2 to accommodate the pair, along with top scorer Richie Baker.

Macclesfield manager Steven King will welcome back Kieran Murtagh for the tie.

The 24-year-old midfielder sat out the 2-0 defeat at Gateshead as he served a one-match suspension for picking up his fifth caution of the season but is now available for selection.

His return is likely to see either Jack Mackreth or Amari Morgan-Smith make way and drop to the substitutes' bench.

Defender Nat Brown is in contention to make King's starting XI. The 31-year-old is nearing full fitness again after missing over a month with a calf strain.

The Silkmen are looking to avoid a fifth straight defeat at Blue Square Bet Premier rivals Barrow, who they beat 2-0 earlier in the season.

Source: PA

Source: PA