FOLLOWING their weekend off, Swindon Supermarine manager Lee Spalding says his players are itching to get on the pitch against Weymouth Town this weekend.

Marine were without a fixture last weekend, which provided Spalding with the perfect chance to address some defensive frailties that had been hampering his troops this season.

Their visitors, Weymouth, come to the Webbswood Stadium in formidable form with just one defeat in their nine league fixtures.

Despite the disparity in form between the two, Spalding says he is looking forward to the test.

"It's been a great chance to get the players in. We have worked very hard over the last 11 days, we watched the games back and we looked at things we could improve on defensively," he said.

"We've conceded a few goals and the players have been excellent, their attitude has been excellent and they've worked hard in training.

"We have a great group of players and we are really looking forward to the weekend.

"It's a big step up in levels, we have brought in a few new players and this season was always going to be a building process.

"We always knew it wasn't going to be a season where we come in and get promoted automatically or something silly like that.

"It's one of those where we need to make sure we are competitive this season, with a view of next season.

"I'm confident the boys will get the results that we need."

Ahead of Weymouth's visit, Spalding was handed some good news as Joe Shepherd and Conor McDonagh both return to contention from a rib and groin injury respectively.

Former Swindon Town defender Jerel Ifil has also agreed to join the team for the remainder of the season after proving his fitness to the Marine boss.

However, Josh Parsons will be missing as he continues to recover from a bruised foot.

"They're in good form, they have some very good players and they have a big budget which helps," he added.

"It is going to be a big test for us but it is down to our players to rise to the occasion, it's a really good fixture.

"They are flying at the moment so it is a great opportunity for us to use all the hard work and halt their run.

"We also had some positive news in the week as well, Ifil has agreed to play for the club for the rest of the season.

"He has worked really hard, we think he will be a big asset to the team and I think his experience will help as well.

"I think him signing is a real positive for us."