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Dragons' Lair

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Tuesday 29th Oct 2002.

CHIPPENHAM Town head to Wales tonight hoping for an improvement on their previous trip over the Severn Bridge.

Town last ventured to Wales in September, where they suffered their one and only away defeat of the season at Newport County.

This evening, the Premier Division Bluebirds take on Western Division Merthyr Tydfil in a tricky Dr Martens Cup tie.

Boss Tommy Saunders is expecting another tough battle over the border.

"We've had Merthyr watched and if they carry on going the way they have recently, they'll win their league," he said.

"After going out of the FA Cup early, we are treating the game seriously ­ along with the Wiltshire Shield, it's the only thing we can realistically win."

Ten days without a game has given the Chippenham crocks a chance to rest.

Defender Gareth Davies takes his place in a 16-man squad and revisits his homeland after recovering from injury.

Shane Andrews is also nearing fitness and Tom Gould returns after a one-match ban.

Striker Charlie Griffin will be recalled to the starting line up, possibly at the expense of leading scorer Martin Paul who has yet to hear whether work commitments will stop him from travelling.

n WHILE Cirencester Town take a welcome break from league action tonight, boss Brian Hughes takes a complete break from football.

Hughes is just taking a well-earned holiday, booked before he took to the Corinium Stadium hot-seat in the summer.

Assistant Kevin Willets will assume temporary charge for this evening's Dr Martens Cup clash with local rivals Cinderford.

Willets will also call the shots during Saturday's somewhat daunting FA Trophy trip to Weston.

Before packing his bags, Hughes insisted that the two cup games he will miss are little more than a welcome distraction from a disappointing league campaign.

"These games are a nice break, but they are of no huge importance," said Hughes.

"Kevin will be trying a few new things and the fringe players will be getting a game."

As a form guide, Ciren drew 1-1 with Cinderford when the two sides met in September. Tonight's game kicks off at 7.30pm at the Corinium Stadium.

WOOTTON Bassett could hit unchartered heights tonight with a home win against Shortwood.

Three points would certainly lift Pete Yeardley's troops into the top eight of the Hellenic Premier Division.

Elsewhere, Pewsey Vale entertain Gloucester United and Fairford face a tough trip to fifth-placed Carterton.

Corsham Town were held to a goalless draw by hosts Bitton in Screwfix Direct Division One last night.

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