ASSISTANT Manager Richard Colwell hopes Tividale can prevent new Romulus boss Rich Evans from getting off to a positive start when they entertain his side tomorrow afternoon at The Beeches (KO 15:00).

Evans returned to The Roms hotseat earlier this week just 18 months after stepping down from the role to move upstairs and Colwell believes he will have a positive influence on the Sutton Coldfield based outfit.

He said “Rich is an experienced coach and a really, really nice guy.

“I wish him the best of luck but naturally hope he goes home empty handed tomorrow evening!”

‘Dale suffered a last minute defeat at table topping Newcastle Town last weekend but Colwell thinks Tivi can take many positives from the performance into tomorrow’s game.

“I thought we were extremely unlucky, I have to say.

“Granted, we were a little bit exposed first half in the midfield area and Newcastle saw a lot of the ball but in the second half we were terrific once we changed things tactically.

“We missed Leigh Downing last weekend but he’s available tomorrow and that’s a major boost for us.

“Let’s not forget we were also without both Charlie Price and Paul Evans which made things difficult in the goalkeeping department, too.”

Former Stourport Swifts manager Colwell confirmed to @TiviFCofficial that Luke Paskin is unavailable this weekend but hopes Ryan Winwood and Mitchell Botfield are available for selection.

“Unfortunately, Luke will be missing tomorrow and he’s been outstanding but Smithy (Mark Smith) and Parso (Andrew Parsons) are worthy replacements and it gives them an opportunity to come into the side and impress.

“On a positive note, Ryan and Mitchell are likely to be fit.

“Ryan looked sharp in training on Tuesday and trained well last night, too.

Boss Ian Long praised recent improvements to the playing surface in midweek and although the work is not a long-term solution to the drainage issues, Colwell believes it was necessary to find an answer between now and the end of the season.

“We had a number of discussions after the Stocksbridge postponement and those conversations were needed.

“It’s been a team effort but this is only the start of what’s planned because this is in no way a permanent fix.

“We’re hoping that the improvements will see us through to the summer and it’s a matter of keeping all of our fingers crossed that the weather doesn’t deteriorate too much in the coming weeks.”