We have what it takes to move on up, says Paulton Rovers boss Jones

SOUTHERN LEAGUE: Paulton Rovers manager Andy Jones has challenged his players to translate their successful run in the FA Cup into a concerted bid for promotion from the South & West Division of the Southern League.

Wednesday night's 2-1 win at Bishop's Cleeve suggest they have already taken that message to heart, and, with the addition of the vastly experienced Iain Harvey to the squad, on top of the recent capture of ex-Team Bath and Weymouth player Matt Cooper, Paulton seem well equipped for the long winter ahead.

"We now have a squad of 20 players, and, while it will be difficult to keep everyone happy, I am now in the fortunate position of having real competition for every place," said Jones.

"The FA Cup has been wonderful and we will never forget it, but it is now time to move on and make our bid to move up the football pyramid. I believe we have the foundations to do that."

Paulton won't have a better chance to make quick progress up the table as their next three games are against the bottom three clubs, with AFC Hayes at Winterfield Road tomorrow – with the club generously offering free admission and a cup of tea for all fans – Cinderford away on Tuesday and then Bracknell at home next Saturday.

"We are now also out of all the cup competitions, so it is all about the league for us, and, to be honest, I think that will be a blessing after the fixture pile-up we suffered at the end of last season," said Jones.

Dan Cleverly, who had a cortisone injection before last week's FA Cup game against Norwich City following a broken metatarsal, is out of contention, as is Chris Lane, with a hamstring injury. Alex Ball missed Wednesday's game with flu and Stu Tovey has temporarily joined Bishop Sutton to get match fitness.

Clevedon Town boss Nick Tucker believes striker Aaron Blakemore is starting to find his feet for the Premier Division club.

Blakemore, who only joined on the eve of the new campaign, missing the club's pre-season programme, came off the bench to grab a late equaliser in Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Merthyr Tydfil and will be hoping to start at Hednesford Town tomorrow.

"Aaron's attitude has been spot-on and he has given me food for thought for Saturday's game," said Tucker. "I am very pleased with him."

Away to whipping-boys Bracknell tomorrow, Mangotsfield United won't have a better chance to claim their second away win of the season.

Bracknell are bottom of the table, with just three points from 13 games, and, even though the Mangos will be missing Mike Trought, Jack Allward, Danny Spill, Martin Paul and Lee Collier, they should get something out of the game.

"We have to make sure we win these types of games to climb the table," said boss Phil Bater.

Sam Duggan is vying for a recall to the Yate Town starting line-up for tomorrow's game against struggling Cinderford Town.

"Sam came on for the last quarter of an hour last weekend and suffered no reaction to his shoulder injury, so he is in contention," said Yate boss Dave Mogg.

Josh Dempsey will continue in goal with Mogg absolving him for any blame in the four goals shipped at Hungerford Town.

"He will get three or four games to let me see what he is all about," confirmed Mogg.