Former Almondsbury boss Fran Johnson has joined Patchway Town's fight to steer clear of relegation trouble.

He will assist joint Scott Park managers Matthew Webb and Marlon Francis, whose team entertain in-form Ellwood on Saturday.

Webb said: "Marlon and I still play so Fran will put the lads through their pre-match paces and give team talks. His experience will be a real asset to us at a difficult time."

Joint manager Simon Bloodworth believes DRG Stapleton are much better placed to clinch a first win of the season after holding high-fliers Slimbridge and Yate Reserves to successive 2-2 draws.

With striker Conrad Mignott, who scored both goals against leaders Slimbridge, back from a lengthy ban, Bloodworth's battlers go to Henbury in confident mood.

"The players will get their just desserts if they keep performing as they have been," he said.

Title hopefuls Henbury are without suspended skipper Ashley Lock as they look to atone for last weekend's 1-0 home defeat by Taverners. Manager Jairzinho Wright said: "It was hugely frustrating – we can ill afford to drop points like that."

Thornbury Town are on a revenge mission at home against Yate after The Bluebells pipped them 1-0 with an injury-time winner in November's Les James Cup tie.

Steve Rice, who scored twice on his debut last weekend against his previous club AXA, leads the Thornbury attack.

Yate are without striker Martin Boyle, who has a hamstring injury.

Hanham Athletic have signed James Crew (ex-Mangotsfield) and Garry Denner (ex-Roman Glass and Cadbury Heath) ahead of their trip to Tuffley Rovers.

Right-back Steve Moore returns from a long injury lay-off but midfielder Richard Sperring (knee) could be sidelined for several weeks.