Toolstation League preview (From This Is Wiltshire)

Toolstation League preview

6:25am Saturday 23rd August 2008

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CORSHAM Town manager Mel Gingell will be looking for an improvement from his team as they face two Premier Division derbies in three days over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The Reds travel to Frome today and then go to Gingell's former club Melksham Town on Monday afternoon.

Corsham were knocked out of the FA Cup by Moneyfields last Saturday and followed that with a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Hallen in the league in midweek.

Gingell said: "We have got two big games coming up against Frome and Melksham so the lads should be up for it because they are local derbies.

"There will be no better way to bounce back than to get six points in these two games."

Corsham welcome back central defender Dan Harvey from suspension and midfielder Phil Baker, who returns from a knee injury, to the squad.

Busy time for Robins

FROME Town now have three league games in eight days, starting with the visit of Corsham this afternoon.

The Robins then travel to Bristol to play Brislington on Tuesday night, kick-off at 7.45pm, before another away game against Cinderford on Saturday, August 30.

Frome will still be without striker Sam Duggan, who still has three matches to serve from a five match ban.

Manager Andy Crabtree said: "We approach these games the same as we approach any game, we will be looking to win, but three games in eight days isn't going to be easy.

"Corsham will be tough. I know their manager Mel Gingell very well and I know he will want to put one over us.

"Then we travel to Brislington, who I think will be the surprise package this season. I have tipped them to do well."

Tough weekend for Calne

CALNE Town, fresh from their first win in the FA since 2000, return to league action with two difficult league matches - against Willand at Bremhill View today and Bitton away on Monday.

Manager Robbie Lardner said: "I think both Willand and Bitton have aspirations of being at the top of the table so it's going to be tough weekend, but if we play like we did against Devizes we will be in a good position to pick up some points."

Thorne looks for improvement

MELKSHAM Town boss Wayne Thorne is another manager looking for better for his players after their disappointing FA Cup exit at Christchurch.

Melksham play Radstock at home today before another game at The Conigre against Corsham on Monday.

After the Christchurch game, Thorne said: "We didn't win any tackles or headers. When we had the ball we didn't look after it and the work ethic just wasn't there. But we sat down at training and discussed it and I trust the lads to go out at the weekend and put it right."

Thorne did have praise for goalkeeper Sean Bryant, who came in for Scott Armstrong, and also for central midfielder Nathan Flowers, who impressed after coming on from the bench.

He said: "Sean came in and was outstanding. It could have been five or six if he wasn't in goal.

"Nathan Flowers came on and played well too. He showed that he wants to be part of the team and is willing to fight for his place."

Edwards takes charge at Bradford

BRADFORD Town, who have scored ten goals in their last two First Division game, will be looking to to continue their rich vein of form when they entertain Bridport today.

Shrewton United are the visitors to Trowbridge Road on Tuesday night.

With boss Paul Shanley unavailable, assistant manager Mark Edwards takes charge for the games.

• Elsewhere in Division One Westbury United host Larkhall Athletic in the First Division this afternoon and on Monday travel to play Keynsham.

  Devizes Town are away to Chard Town this afternoon.

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