Shirehampton boss to put friendship to one side

SOMERSET COUNTY: Mickey Tanner cannot wait to reunite with an "an old mate" but warned him: "I'm desperate to beat you!"

The Shirehampton manager locks horns with visiting Brislington Reserves boss Dave Payne, a one-time team-mate, for a Premier Division clash tomorrow.

Tanner grinned: "I was at Bath City and Mangotsfield with Dave and I'm looking forward to a beer with him. I'm also looking forward to beating him because I'm desperate for a win to keep us moving forward, although it will be tough."

Shire could include the pacy Danny Copeland in their attack after a lengthy lay-off with a broken foot, while Mark Twentyman returns from suspension for Bris.

A full-strength Backwell United target three points at lowly St George EIG, while Mangotsfield Reserves entertain Paulton Reserves. Free-scoring Cutters Friday host third-place Watchet.

Manager Paul Beacham has warned 'prodigal son' Jason Hawkins he faces a fight to regain his place in his pacesetting Stockwood Green Robinsons line-up after the midfielder's early- season exit for Bishop Sutton.

"The lads are going well at the top of the First Division and anyone who comes in will have to be patient," Beacham, who will hand another opportunity to Ian Field for tomorrow's home match with Radstock, said.

Fry Club, with Ben Gaisford continuing between the sticks in the absence of Ryan Perry, go to Nailsea Town determined to maintain their remarkable form. Led by strike pairing Kevin Roper and Dan Davis, Fry's thrashed Shepton Mallet 12-1 in the Somerset Cup last weekend to make it 18 goals for and one against in their last three outings.

Adam Hicks returns to boost Saltford's central midfield after suspension as they entertain Langford Rovers, while Keynsham Reserves recall Mark Pope to the heart of defence following a long injury absence, as they host Street.

Strikers Shane Wotton and Danny Pearce, plus midfielder Curtis Payne, miss out for Town.