It's back to the league (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

It's back to the league

CHIPPENHAM and Cirencester must temporarily shelve their FA Cup dreams ahead of crunch Southern League fixtures this evening.

Both clubs are 90 minutes away from the first round proper as yesterday's draw sent Chippenham away to Basingstoke and Cirencester on the road to Ramsgate.

Both ties, to be played October 22, are winnable for them but there are more pressing engagements tonight.

Chippenham entertain Premier Division leaders Salisbury, who are unbeaten in the league.

The Bluebirds have a 100 per cent home record, so something has to give.

Manager Darren Perrin said: "It is a massive match but we'll be ready for it. Salisbury are the best side I've seen this season by a country mile and we're going to have to produce another heroic performance. But we've won seven on the trot and we're confident."

Sean Seavill has joined Paulton on loan and James Constable is a major doubt, so Perrin is likely to name an unchanged side from the weekend.

On the trip to Basingstoke a third successive tie with Conference South opposition Perrin added: "We're disappointed not to be at home but it's a game we can win. We could have drawn Exeter or Grays and we would have had no chance. We know we're capable of going to Basingstoke and getting a result."

For Ciren, it's a trip into the unknown against Ryman Division One opposition and manager Brian Hughes said: "I always look at the FA Cup from two angles. You either want to draw one of the big boys and make as much money on the gate as possible. Or you want a team from a lower division and a chance to progress.

"We've got the latter, and if we prepare properly we've a good chance."

Ciren head to Bath City tonight with an unchanged squad after Saturday's 2-1 win over Havant.

SWINDON Supermarine can make up ground on the automatic promotion spots in Division One West when they host rock-bottom Thame United.

Boss Mark Collier will give Giles Harris (calf) and Ian Howell (knee) fitness tests while Nathan Edwards is awaiting international clearance after his spell in Sweden. Steve Davies and Jeremy Newton are unavailable.

Highworth have snapped up former Supermarine man Craig Heaney ahead of Witney's visit in the Hellenic Premier while Elliot Jackson returns to don the gloves. Corsham travel to Bishops Cleeve in the Toolstation Premier.