WOOTTON Bassett Town manager Paul Braithwaite is hoping that a week off will have done his players a world of good when they entertain Thame United tomorrow.

With Highworth Town in FA Vase action, Bassett were able to take last Saturday off and the manager admits that it couldn’t have come at a better time.

Braithwaite is hoping that the week off will have allowed several players to overcome injury and a sickness bug that ripped through the club last week as they prepare to face the Hellenic League Premier Division fourth-placed side.

“We have still got a couple of players who are doubtful, but the week off couldn’t have come at a better time,” Braithwaite said. “But we need to improve from our last two performances.

“We were average at best (in the cup) against Longlevens and then we were shocking against Shrivvy when we drew.

“I’m not taking anything away from Shrivvy because they were fighting for their survival.”

Braithwaite will be without Tyler Sheppard, who he is suspended, while he is unsure how long Henry Traas will be out injured.

The midfielder twisted his ankle during the 3-2 defeat to Longlevens a fortnight ago and he is set for a scan to discover the full extent of the problem.

“I think we are looking at least at another four weeks for Henry,” Braithwaite said. “It was a pretty nasty slip so we will have to wait and see.

“At the moment I’m trying to bring in a couple of players before the weekend, one a goalkeeper, and if they come off then that will be us done until the end of the season.”

Purton will be aiming to close the gap on the top two in Division One West to a single point when they make the journey to Hook Norton.

Justin Miller’s men were set to play Tuffley Rovers in midweek but that game was postponed.

Meanwhile, New College entertain Warren Evans’ Tuffley side at the Webb’s Wood Stadium tomorrow.

Mark Teasdale’s students were on the wrong end of a 6-2 thrashing at Shortwood United reserves last weekend.

Meanwhile, Fairford Town’s fight for survival in sees them entertain Clanfield at Cinder Lane.