Mangotsfield chief Milsom delighted with his new Ford

MANGOTSFIELD United manager Paul Milsom, pictured, has pulled off a significant coup this week with the signing of a player from Coca-Cola Championship club Queen's Park Rangers.

Bristolian Josh Ford has agreed to join the Cossham Street outfit on loan for a month and, with Mangotsfield without a Premier Division game tomorrow, he will make his debut in the Southern League GX Cup clash at home to Yate Town next Tuesday.

"Josh is a first year pro at QPR, having been at Loftus Road for two years, but because the club now has so many professionals, is unable to even get a game for the reserves," said Milsom.

"The club management said he needs to play games and, while a couple of Ryman League clubs have asked about him, it was thought it would be better for him to come home to Bristol and play for us.

"Initially he is here for a month but I know that Cardiff City have also been keeping an eye on him and he has played a friendly for them, but nothing has come of that yet."

Ford, a 6ft 3ins defender, will replace the suspended Scott Hendy against Yate.

Milsom has also learned that on-loan Team Bath defender Matt Townley has just received a three-match ban after he was sent off while playing for Larkhall Athletic.

Striker Jake Reid returns from suspension to give Yate manager Richard Thompson a selection poser for the match at Halesowen, who beat Mangotsfield 2-0 on Tuesday.

"Jake is champing at the bit to get back into the team but Mike Whittington and Aaron Blakemore did well the other night," said assistant manager Lee Barlass. "We will assess things in the morning."

Yate did not play badly in Tuesday's 3-2 defeat to Oxford City, with the sending-off of Dean Griffiths the turning point in the game.

Griffiths can play tomorrow, but Darren Hawkins is doubtful with a groin injury that forced him off after just 10 minutes, while Lee Jefferies, Marcus Mapstone and Dave Anyinsah will all have fitness tests.

"I'm expecting a big reaction after Tuesday," added Barlass.

Clevedon Town manager Wayne Powell revealed he is now looking to strengthen the squad after Lee Jenkins left the club for personal reasons.

"With Matt Prosser having left the other week, it means there is a bit of money to bring someone in, but I'm not in a rush, it has to be the right player," said Powell.

The return of Chris Collins means Powell has a full squad available for the match at Bedford, and he will be looking to build upon last week's win against Cambridge.

"I think it is the first time in nine weeks I have had a full squad, which is nice," added Powell.

Central defenders Ollie Price and Mike Trought are both poised to start for Paulton Rovers at home to Beaconsfield SYCOB.

"If Ollie trains OK and suffers no reaction to a knee injury then he will come back into the team," said manager Andrew Jones.

"Mike is a very experienced player so I'll leave it up to him if he feels he is ready to play. Otherwise I have a full squad."

Youngster Kyle Phillips returns in goal as Bath City need Steve Perrin next week.