Thatcham face tough tests

Thatcham Town entertain third place Frome Town and league leaders Sholing this week

THATCHAM TOWN test their improved form against two of the Zamaretto League's top sides this week.

They entertain third in the table Frome Town on Saturday and then tackle top-dogs Sholing at Waterside Park on Tuesday night.

“This is when we'll see how we've gone forward,” said manager Gary Ackling. “It's been a case of taking two steps forward and then one back for us so far, but this is a chance to show what we've learned.”

Ackling is determined to keep hold of in-form marksman Charli Mpi, who has netted five times in the past two league games. Mpi is on loan from Maidenhead United, who have intimated that they will want him to return to them at some stage.

It is something we will have to deal with if it happens,” said Ackling. “But he's enjoying himself at Thatcham and getting regular football,” he added, “and he's a confidence player who needs to be playing regularly.

“We hope we can keep him for a while yet.”

Thatcham have already been let-down once on the loan front after Aldershot Town ripped away defender Doug Bergvist and sent him out to Dorchester Town instead.

“The least they could have done is give us a call to say what was happening,” said Ackling.

“I think it shows a lack of respect for us.”