Bakali boost as Town return to action (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Bakali boost as Town return to action

HELLENIC LEAGUE: NEIL Kirkpatrick believes the two-week break from action could work in his Trowbridge Town side's favour ahead of tomorrow's trip to Cheltenham Saracens.

The Bees manager knows they will have to be on their mettle to see off who he believes are "one of the best footballing sides in the division" but is looking forward to the test.

He hopes the previous fortnight's postponements will leave his side "chomping at the bit" as they look to make up ground on the Hellenic League Division One pacesetters.

He said: "It is always frustrating when you have matches called off but perhaps it has been blessing as it has given everyone a bit of a rest.

"The lads all had a day off on Saturday and with a very busy month coming up it could do them all good.

"It also gave me the chance to go and watch some football so it certainly was not all bad."

After finishing runners-up last season, Trowbridge enter the midway point of the season in sixth position, some 16 points behind leaders Winterbourne but with three games in hand.

Tomorrow's opponents Cheltenham are just one place and one point behind, but Kirkpatrick insists league positions can be deceptive.

He said: "Last season Cheltenham Saracens were one the best teams we played against.

"We drew with them at their place and had to come back from 3-1 down to beat them at home.

"They did not start this season that strongly but the have had a good run of results and I expect tomorrow to be a tough game."

Midfielder Matt Taylor will miss the clash after cracking his ribs while away on a coaching course and goalkeeper Adam Sheppard is still struggling for fitness.

Westbury United's Lewis Porter will continue to deputise for Porter while Waleed Bakali will make himself available again after missing the last month through university commitments. Dave Mitchell will also be in the squad.

A supporters' coach leaves the Mash Tun at 12.10pm. The fare is £6 and to book contact Gloria Hambly on 01225 755097.