Injury worries for Hungerford

Football round-up: Thatcham tackle league leaders at home and Newbury continue league quest at Didcot

HUNGERFORD TOWN will again be without several key men as they face the long trip to Bideford in Saturday remain in pole position in the Zamaretto League's Division One South and West.

Despite Tuesday night's 3-0 defeat at the hands of leaders AFC Totton, Hungerford remain in pole position in the play-off zone but will head west without Jamie Gosling, Richnartd Bland, Luke Brewer, Garerth Brown and Scott Davis.

"Nothing has changed for us," said manager Bobby Wilkinson, "in points or position.

"But it's the worst time for us to have these injuries. We are in pole position in the play-offs, but this is going to go to the wire."

Hungerford also go to Cinderford Town next Thursday night, before taking on neighbours Thatcham at Waterside Park two days later to cap a run of three testing away games.

IT is Thatcham's turn to take on league leaders Totton when they come to Waterside Park on Saturday.

Town go into the game on the back of six straight wins and six clean sheets, although that record will, be put to the test with Mark James missing the next four games and likely replacement Matt Bowler struggling with a cracked rib.

"We're under no illusions," said manager Gary Ackling. "We know that it will not be easy. Totton are the best side in the league."

Sam Tucker may play hwoever, despite having five stitches ina wound sustained when he recieved an albow in the face during Tuesday night's 2-0 home win over Andover, while recent signing Iain McCulley will continue to deputise in goal for Paul Strudley.

NEWBURY lost for the first time nine games on Tuesday night when they went down to a late James Suarez goal to Premier Division high-flyers Binfield in the Hellenic League's Floodlit Cup.

But they remain on course for a league and cup double and stand only two points behind Divison One East leaders Holyport with a game in hand.

And they face a chance to take top spot this week when they go to bottom side Didcot Town Reserves on Saturday before entertaing Woodley Town on Tuesday night.

Newbury are also into the semi-finals of the Reading Senior Cup and face Wokingham and Emmbrook at Faraday Road on April 12, with the winnwers going on to play Marlow United or Flackwell Heath in the final at the Madejski Stadium.