Longwell Green Sports today pointed to the latest league manager-of-the-month prizes as evidence that big budgets don't guarantee success.

In-form Sports are at Hallen tomorrow eager to protect a seven-match unbeaten league record.

Hallen's Gary Domone was named October's top boss, ahead of Longwell Green's Julian Harmer, while Sports goalkeeper Mark Britton claimed the Safe Hands award.

Sports general manager John Gibbs claimed: "We are practically the only two clubs in the league who operate without a playing budget, and it's testament to us both that our success is based not on lining players' pockets but on having a family-friendly ethos and efficient running."

Longwell, beaten 3-2 at home in extra-time by Willand Rovers in an FA Vase second-round tie on Wednesday night, will have central midfielders Andy Summers and Neil Rosslee back from injury, while new signing Jon Mayo is pressing for a first start.

Hallen will have striker James Hicks aboard if they are successful with a seven-day approach to Tytherington Rocks.

Assistant manager Andy Hicks (no relation) said: "James is strong and fast and he's a lad we've had our eye on for some time."

Centre-forward Tom Collett returns to the Hallen squad.

Bitton boss Andy Black is sweating over a decision by his experienced striker Michael Meaker whether to accept an approach from Mangotsfield United ahead of their home date with Bishop Sutton.

Black has James Clarke, Jack Welling and Ben Pope back for the game, while Mark Cherry and Joe Chandler face fitness tests.

Sutton and Bitton are locked in fifth and sixth spots respectively.

Sutton manager Lee Lashenko, who plans to thrust new signing Stuart Tovey into the fray for the first time, stressed: "We have two games in hand over Bitton and we want to capitalise with three points."

Brislington boss Jeff Meacham is to ring the changes for his team's home clash with Calne Town after Tuesday's 4-0 FA Vase demolition at the hands of visiting Poole Town.

Jack Dempsey and Todd Winter win midfield call-ups and striker Justin Bishop is re-introduced to the attack.

Meacham admitted: "Tuesday night was the first time we were pulled around defensively that badly and it's time to shake things up."

Welton Rovers and Bristol Manor Farm head into the weekend buoyed by fine midweek successes in the Vase.

Third-placed Welton, with Timmy Thompson and Nick Beaverstock back to bolster their defence, came away from Bideford with a 2-0 win and tomorrow entertain Willand Rovers.

However, they must do without Steven Bridges, Alex Brain and the suspended Greg Dando.

Farm travel to Ilfracombe determined to replicate the form that dispensed of Saltash United at the Creek on Tuesday night.

Manager John Black warned: "We've been to Devon three times this season and lost every time, so it's time we reversed that trend."