Watts set to make his home debut for Taunton against leaders Hungerford

EVO-STIK DIVISION ONE S&W

Taunton face one of their toughest games of the season when they play at home to top-of-the-table side Hungerford this afternoon.

Teenage goalkeeper Christian Watts is set to make his home debut for Taunton.

The 18-year-old, who has been training with Torquay this season, played his first game for Taunton in the 4-2 away win at Evesham last weekend.

Midfielder Rodney Marsh missed last Saturday's game through injury, but is included in Taunton's squad.

Taunton (from): Watts, Ford, Harris, Gerring, Norrish, Robertson, Ingram, Blake, Short, Herrod, Peek, Hopkins, Badavi, Marsh.

Bridgwater, who have had their last two scheduled games postponed, will be hoping for better luck at Cirencester.

The Somerset side have won their last five league games and joint-manager Kevin Milsom said: "Obviously it would have been nice to have kept the momentum going.

"It would be good to think we can pick up where we left off."

Chris McGrath, Tim Legg and Ross MacNab, who all played for Wellington in the Toolstation League last week, are back in the squad.

Cirencester, meanwhile, have signed goalkeeper Dave Evans from Hellenic League high-fliers Slimbridge.

Centurions boss Brian Hughes said: "We have been tracking David for a while and we're delighted to bring him on board.

"We're impressed with what we've seen and heard about him."

Bridgwater (from): Purnell, Viney, Veal P, Middleton, Simpson, Mountford, McGrath, Fitzpatrick, McClennan, Vance, Merceica, Veal C, Legg, Salem, MacNab, Farnham, Govier, Chamberlain, Paxton.

A three-game unbeaten run, including wins leaders Hungerford and play-off hopefuls Merthyr, has strengthened boss Rob Cousins' belief that Yate will claw their way clear of the relegation zone.

Last weekend's win at Merthyr, thanks to a late Harley Purnell goal, lifted Yate off the bottom of the table ahead of Clevedon's visit to Lodge Road this afternoon.

"The pleasing thing recently is not just the results but the manner of our performances," said Cousins. "I told the players they had to keep working hard, like they did in the FA Cup. If they did they would get their rewards."

Clevedon have their sights fixed on qualifying for the play-offs, but they have wobbled of late with three defeats in their last four games.

"It has been difficult of late with injures and suspensions, but we are getting there," said manager Mickey Bell. "Yate have had some very good results lately and we won't be underestimating them.

Bell has a full squad available, including ex-Yate players Dave Stone and Adie Adams, while the hosts miss Mitchell Page through suspension.

Yate (from): Dempsey, Warren, Cox, Vahid, Seery, Purnell, Bryant, Thomas, Wring, Harmer, Groves, Hiroli, Bater, Meaker, Cousins, Price.

Clevedon (from): Castanheira, Matthews, Stephenson, Teale, Kingdon, B Murray, Fortune, Robbins, Kapika, Adams, Hussain, Mills, Best, Stone, Williams, Swift, Jack.

Paulton – unbeaten in seven games – will aim to continue their rise at lowly Didcot.

Manager Nick Bunyard has lost Brandon Barnes, who has been recalled by Chippenham, but Marcus Mapstone is back.

"Our last dozen performances have been solid, but we could do with picking up a few more wins," said Bunyard.

Paulton (from): Phillips, Pearson, Rich, Mapstone, Allward, Brice, Jeffries, Loxton, Lacey, Billing, Cleverley, McCootie, Osman, Badman, Tovey, Bridges, Barnes, Vyner, Norris.

Mangotsfield United travel to North Leigh fresh from their first home win of the season against Wimborne last week.

Ryan Bennett has been recalled by Frome and Matt Thorne suspended. Josh Klein-Davies and Mike Whittington return, but Marcus Duharty (hamstring) is still doubtful.

Mangotsfield (from): Sawyer, Arndale, Lamb, Marshall, Dunn, Parinello, Tooze, Turley, Swaby, Hopkinson, Hunt, Bath, Winter, Thomas, Winter, Whittington, Klein-Davies.

Shortwood boss John Evans is hopeful of completing the signing of a new front man in time for today's trip to Winchester.

He said: "I am keeping my fingers crossed that all the paperwork for the new striker will be sorted out in time."

Cinderford will look to follow-up their County Cup win over Bristol City by beating Sholing this afternoon.

The Boatmen drop anchor at the Causeway to face a Foresters side buoyed by Monday night's penalty shoot-out success, where goalkeeper Alex Harris saved three of the first four City kicks.

Swindon Supermarine host Bishop's Cleeve with the aim of extending their unbeaten run and closing the gap on league leaders Hungerford.

Although Cleeve are fifth from bottom, they have games in hand on several rivals.