Devizes boss calls for repeat show (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Devizes boss calls for repeat show

10:24am Friday 7th September 2007 in Football By Nick Mashiter

"SAME again" is the message from Devizes Town boss Paul Thompson as his side resume cup duties this weekend.

AFC Wallingford entertain the Nursteed Road outfit on Saturday in the FA Vase Preliminary Round with Thompson looking for his squad to build on their performance in the 1-1 draw at Bideford.

"I will tell them to carry on what they have been doing and forget what cup it is, as it is another game we want to win," he said.

"We are playing good football and will continue to do so."

Steve Sartin (hamstring) and Kris Beasley (knee) may miss out, but captain Darren Robison is expected to return to the centre of defence.

Thompson knows the cup represents a good opportunity to extend their unbeaten run to four games after a well earned point at Bideford.

Josh Digby flicked in Jamie Lyons' corner to hand the visitors the lead but Matt Penfold was beaten three minutes later. Joe O'Chuko and Dan Sloan both missed one on one chances, before Penfold saw one effort from Bideford crash off his bar.

"If you offered me a point at the start of the game I would have snapped your arm off and, on the performance, we deserved it," said Thompson.

"We played some decent football and did not let them over-run us."

Although pleased with his side, Thompson is cutting a frustrated figure as he battles against injury.

The 35-year-old had just recovered from a knee injury, which kept him out all year, before breaking a finger in training two weeks ago.

He has now had two pins inserted after doctors discovered it wasn't healing properly, meaning he will be out for another month.

The injury means, with Penfold going to university this month and Paul Belcher unable to travel because his wife is expecting twins, Thompson has drafted in his fifth keeper of the season.

Owen Dunn, who has featured for Melksham this term, has arrived from Bath City on loan until Thompson recovers.