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Preview: Non-league

12/ 9/2008

ASHTON United boss Danny Johnson insists his on-song Robins have yet to hit their highest note despite launching their bid for FA Cup glory on the back of five successive victories.

Ashton sit proudly on top of the UniBond League so could hardly be in better shape for tomorrow's first qualifying round visit of Kendal.

But one-time Manchester FA youth-team manager Johnson (pictured) maintains the best is yet to come from his table-topping Tamesiders.

"Five wins on the bounce at any level is fantastic, but I know we can play better than we have been doing," said the Ashton chief.

"But Kendal will make it hard for us because they are a decent side and will want to win this game every bit as much as we do."

Johnson is sweating on the fitness of Ben Smith and Matty O'Neill who both limped off during Ashton's 2-0 victory over Marine.

His most recent signing, Lee Connell - who has joined Ashton on loan from Radcliffe - is cup tied.

Elsewhere in the Cup, Curzon Ashton will eye an upset when they host a resurgent Leigh, while Salford City look to put their miserable league form behind them at home to Atherton LR.

Flixton's Valley Road duel with in-form Mossley appears to be an away banker, but Woodley should make home advantage count against Rossendale.

Hyde, meanwhile, last night parted company with manager Steve Waywell following their poor start to the Blue Square North season.

His assistant, ex-Oldham striker Neil Tolson, and defender Chris Brass take temporary charge for the trip to Kings Lynn.

Hyde's director of football Tony Beard said: "We had a bad second-half to last season and that has continued into the current one. We felt a change was needed."

Waywell said: "I probably stayed at Hyde too long, but I stand by my record and am eager for a new challenge. I've left Hyde with a squad which I'm confident will climb the table."

Stalybridge and Droylsden will try to bounce back from midweek Setanta Shield exits.

Bridge will go top if they beat second-placed Harrogate at Bower Fold and leaders Southport lose to Hucknall.

Droylsden, who lie ninth despite being one of only two unbeaten teams, visit Farsley.

Altrincham, who have now gone seven games without a win, will seek to build on last weekend's draw with Salisbury when they head to Stevenage in Blue Square Premier.

Northwich, rock-bottom and winless, host Forest Green.

Pick of the day's Vodkat League fixtures is Glossop's top-of-the-table clash with Newcastle at Surrey Street.