Thompson expects Calne backlash (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Thompson expects Calne backlash

12:30pm Thursday 22nd February 2007 in Football By Nick Mashiter

DEVIZES boss Paul Thompson believes Calne Town will be out for revenge when they visit Nursteed Road on Saturday.

Thompson's side ran out 2-1 winners at Bremhill View in August and won 3-0 at home in the FA Cup just weeks later.

He said: "They will be up for revenge but they are not the side they used to be. I am not taking the game lightly but we do not fear anyone coming to our place and we have beaten four of the top five without conceding a goal.

"It might be a local derby but I feel it is just another game of football and the lads will feel the same."

Devizes will go into the clash full of confidence following their point at Brislington on Saturday.

Adam Little put the visitors 1-0 up in the first half from close range after Andy Coombes dummied a Nick Stanley corner.

Little was cautioned by police and given a lengthy suspension by the FA after he headbutted an opponent during an FA Vase match at Bemerton Heath Harlequins in September, but Thompson says he deserves a second chance.

"He served his suspension and learnt his lesson and it is not like he stole the crown jewels," he said. "If he carries on playing well he will keep his place."

Thompson, still out of goalkeeping action with a jnee injury, is still looking to add to his squad but has called off the pursuit of Calne's prolific striker Glenn Armstrong.

"He is like the Scarlet Pimpernel and hard to track down but we have given up on him now and will look for someone else," said the defeated manager.