Weston-super-Mare have shown they mean to build a side capable of challenging for promotion to the Premier Division of the Blue Square League in the next couple of years by extending central defender Craig Rand's contract by two years.

Rand (28) only returned to the Weston side in December after a 10-month lay off with a series of injuries, but has brought solidarity to the defence and this has alerted other clubs, who have been checking on him.

Manager Andy Gurney has also signed central midfielder Darren Mullins on a contract which will keep him at The Woodspring Stadium until the summer of 2010, while young defender Tom Parinello, who joined them on loan from Bristol Rovers, has now been released by the Football League side and has signed an 18-month contract.

Gurney has also signed left winger Jack Compton, who has recently been playing for Havant & Waterlooville after being released by Brighton & Hove Albion.

Weston's game at Tem Bath, which was postponed on New Year's Day, has now been rearranged for March 17, and the home game against Havant & Waterlooville, which was postponed due to their involvement in the FA Trophy, will now be played on Monday, March 23.

Tomorrow's home clash against bottom-of-the-table Bognor Regis is a game that 15th-placed Weston must win to make sure they stay clear of the battle to avoid relegation, but Gurney admits they face a difficult game.

"Bognor will be scrapping for every point and we must make sure that we are up for what will be a very difficult clash," he said.