Local sides aim for Christmas number one spot

Thatcham and Hungerford both face top-of-the-table clashes this weekend

THATCHAM and Hungerford are both battling to be Christmas number one with both sides facing top-of-the-table clashes this weekend.

Second-placed Thatcham Town head to leaders Bideford on Saturday looking to knock them off top spot, while fourth-placed Hungerford Town, who entertain Paulton Rovers at Bulpit Lane, could go top of the Evo Stik Southern League Division One South and West if results go their way.

However, neither manager is under any illusions about the task in hand ahead of the busy festive period.

Thatcham boss Gary Ackling said his side face a tough game in north Devon, although he said the squad was looking forward to another top-of-the-table clash following last week's last gasp 1-1 draw with Sholing.

He said: “Sholing probably felt a little aggrieved last week after leading for so long, but that was down to our character - we never think it is lost and we got our rewards.”

Ackling said Bideford would be a tough test though.

He said: “They are a good, strong, physical side and they are well-organised, but we will go down there and give it our best shot.”

Ackling will be without suspended duo Shane Kingston and Mark Hughes, although he said he was confident that it would not be an issue for his squad.

Hungerford boss Bobby Wilkinson is also buoyed by his side's 2-1 success at Tiverton Town on Saturday, which he described as “a fantastic result.”

And with a full strength squad to choose from, Wilkinson is looking forward to the visit of fifth-placed Paulton Rovers.

He said: “It is a massive game and we know they are a good, physical side.

“We are looking for three points though and it is so important to get them.”