PAWEL ABBOTT and a handful of other senior players get a final chance to impress for the big kick-off in tonight's friendly at Guiseley (7.30).
The former Preston striker (pictured) will partner John McAliskey in Town's attack at Nethermoor, where midfield playmaker Lee Fowler returns to action after a knee injury.
It's an important night, too, for the likes of Nat Brown, Anthony Lloyd and goalkeeper Phil Senior, who will be keen to register a clean sheet before taking his place on the bench for Saturday's Coca-Cola League I opener against Stockport County at Edgeley Park.
Manager Peter Jackson rests defender Nathan Clarke and goalscorer Chris Brandon, who were substitutes in the 1-0 win at Macclesfield on Saturday, and he will give a run-out from the bench to trialist frontman Akpo Sodje.
"I'm absolutely delighted to report that we've got no-one under treatment for injuries and that's a massive bonus so close to the season," said Jackson today.
"It means we've got maximum competition for places and I would expect everyone playing tonight to be giving it 100% for the chance to be involved against Stockport on Saturday.
"There might not be too many changes to the starting line-up at this stage, but there are certainly places up for grabs on the bench and this is an opportunity for lads to show how much they want a shirt."
Defender Steve Yates (thigh) and midfielder Danny Schofield (groin), who were both taken off on the hour mark at Moss Rose, trained yesterday and reported no ill effects today.
"We are looking fit and strong as a squad for the start of the season. Pre-season has gone well and it's important now we carry that forward into the Stockport game," added Jackson.
"It's a pleasure to be able to say we've been playing excellent football against the likes of Rotherham and Macclesfield, looking solid while creating plenty of chances, but the players know it will count for nothing if we aren't ready to perform at our best against Stockport.
"The way the lads are preparing, though, I'm sure we'll be up for a good show."
It is already a talking point among Town fans that the referee on Saturday is Trevor Parkes from Birmingham, the man who sent off Pawel Abbott and Andy Booth at Leyton Orient last season in what Jackson described as one of the worst displays of refereeing he'd ever seen.
Mr Parkes was given five marks out of 100 by Town after the 1-1 draw at Brisbane Road.
Rob Edwards and new signings Junior Mendes and Chris Brandon are guests of the Patrons Association tomorrow night (8.00).
