Thompson rejects significance of Corsham clash (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Thompson rejects significance of Corsham clash

2:36pm Friday 30th November 2007 in Football By Nick Mashiter

Devizes Town boss Paul Thompson has dismissed the importance of tomorrow's derby clash at Corsham Town, claiming he "isn't bothered."

The two teams meet at the Southbank for the first time since their last game was abandoned for the second time in October.

Corsham were leading 3-0 when keeper Owen Dunn was injured, forcing the end of the game.

The original clash was abandoned after a horrific leg injury to Joe O'Chuko in September with Devizes 1-0 up.

The clubs were also embroiled in a row over Corsham boss Mel Gingell's alleged tapping up of Devizes' Jamie Lyons - who is set to start for Corsham tomorrow.

Thompson, who has just Josh Digby missing due to Wiltshire U18 duty, said: "I can not be bothered about the game. After what has gone between the two clubs it does not even remotely interest me.

"Everyone is building it up after what happened but it is another game of football.

"Corsham mean nothing to me, Mel Gingell means nothing to me and it would not make a difference if we were playing Bideford, Odd Down or Corsham.

"We were disappointed about the two games but Corsham have to get over it and hopefully tomorrow will go off without any incident."

Corsham boss Mel Gingell agreed with Thompson and played down the clash.

"It is a local derby but that is as far as it goes. I've never had a problem with Devizes and I like to see all the local clubs doing well," he said.

Gingell has selection problems ahead of the game with 16-goal top scorer James Lye a major doubt.

Strike partner Simon Gray is definitely out with Jason Walsh a doubt, but Kris Davis could make a surprise return two weeks after having his appendix removed.

New signing from Box, striker Tom Smith, is set to make his debut and Gingell wants his side to be less complacent after throwing a two goal lead away in the last five minutes against Hallen last Saturday.

He said: "It is naivety. We could have picked up ten more points easily if it wasn't for stupid mistakes."

MATCH STATS: Corsham sit seventh in the Toolstation League Premier Division with Devizes 12th.

Corsham are yet to lose in the league at the Southbank this season, while Devizes haven't scored in their last three away games.

Corsham doubled Devizes last season, 1-0 and 5-1.

In the first abandoned game earlier in the season Devizes were winning 1-0 before Joe O'Chuko broke his leg.

Corsham were winning the re-arranged game 3-0 before keeper Owen Dunn received a kick of the neck, forcing the game to be called off.