Wiltshire League preview, March 24 (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Wiltshire League preview, March 24

7:50am Saturday 24th March 2007 in Football

Westside boss Joe O'Rourke is hoping to guide his side into the semi-finals of the Corsham Print Senior Cup this weekend but face a very stiff task against Premier Division leaders Corsham Town.

"I've got to be realistic," said O'Rourke. "We are the underdogs and it will be a mammoth team effort if we can turn them over on their own ground.

"We beat them at their place last season and although it's a tall order this time it is a cup tie.

"It would be great to get to the semis in my last year but I will try not to be too disappointed if we don't make it.

"Mark Simpkins and Keith Dart return to the squad so I'm expecting us to be at full strength. It's a case of the old cliches, try not to concede an early goal and try and keep a clean sheet for as long as we can.

"We didn't create many chances against Melksham last week so perhaps we need to work on that a bit."

With Corsham involved in cup action New College have a chance to draw level on 55 points at the top of the table should they beat visitors Bradford Town.

Having played three more games than the leaders College need to keep winning in case Corsham drop a few points during a busy end to the season.

Wroughton were involved in a tough physical game against Devizes, where two players and both Devizes' bosses were sent off, last weekend and manager Mark Love will not want to see any of his players heading for an early bath at Calne.

The home side are a point behind the Swindon outfit in fifth spot and it could be another close game.

Blueprint Chiseldon, looking for a change of luck, visit Pewsey Vale.

Denied a point by a controversial last-minute goal at home to Calne last weekend, manager Chokri Kartit will be telling his players to put the decision behind them and concentrate on getting a result at Pewsey.

Purton Reserves visit AFC Trowbridge Town Youth and will need to raise their game to come away with a point.

Malmesbury Vics, slowly creeping up the table, visit Shrewton and could come away with a point while Marlborough Town face a stern test at Melksham.

With Division One leaders Pinehurst without a game, second-placed AFC Castrol could move to within two points of the leaders should they collect maximum points against visitors Stratton Rovers, whose new boss Mike Hartley is still waiting for his first victory.

At the other end of the table Marlborough Town Reserves have been doing well in recent matches but could face some tough opposition at Minety.

Top match in Division Two is between second-placed Stratton Juniors and third in the table Wroughton Reserves with both clubs looking to finish in the runners-up spot.

Leaders Lower Stratton need just two more to be crowned champions and will look for victory at Bromham Reeserves.