Neil Soper pays tribute to Cutters Friday

Neil Soper has applauded his Cutters Friday "entertainers" for overcoming adversity amid an injury crisis.

Despite missing centre-backs Paul Chaffey, Karl Binns, Marcus Caple and Dave O'Reilly among a raft of other crocks, 10th-placed Cutters have soldiered on to beat Langford 5-3 and St George EIG 7-4.

Ahead of tomorrow's home clash with Winscombe, Soper said: "I could form an entire first team with all the players that are absent. But we're making a real fist of it and it's making for great entertainment."

Backwell United boss Shane Smith has ruled out a title challenge but pledged: "We'll be in the promotion shake-up." Smith is adamant unbeaten Bridgwater Reserves, who travel to out-of-sorts Nailsea United tomorrow, already have their name on the Premier Division trophy.

Smith, who takes his team to Shirehampton, said: "I'm hopeful we can secure a top-three place and go up on the strength of it."

Shire, who give a senior call-up to teenage forward Scott Bamford, are smarting from a shock 5-1 mauling by Cheddar. Manager Mickey Tanner admitted: "That was a big kick up the backside. I'm looking for a major improvement."

Mangotsfield Reserves could sign wide man Harley Purnell from Cutters Friday ahead of the trip to Taunton Blackbrook. "We've played Cutters twice and he's stood out for them in both games," said manager Paul Britton.

Brislington Reserves' assistant boss Steve Badock has described his fifth-placed team's home clash with Glastonbury as a "big one" following three straight defeats. "We're still in a good position but we've gone off the boil," he said.

Rampant Division I pacesetters Stockwood Green welcome back Mark Davidson at home to lowly Burnham United. The midfielder suffered an eye injury while playing squash and may wear protective goggles tomorrow.

Manager Terry Saunders is demanding a "far grittier" effort from his Keynsham players as they strive to atone for last weekend's 6-0 thrashing by Langford with victory at home to Larkhall.

Cleeve West Town's new boss Nick Faiers says the performances of youngsters Andy Gooding and Alex Hughes have typified team spirit. Cleeve host Street fresh from back-to-back victories over Nailsea Town.