Thatcham prepare to take on 'bogey' side

After two defeats in a week, Thatcham Town entertain Bishops Cleeve at Waterside Park on Saturday

THATCHAM Town entertain ‘bogey' side Bishops Cleeve on Saturday hoping to bounce back to top form after a mixed week.

Having been unlucky to lose 2-1 away to title-chasing Sholing last Saturday, they went down by the same score at second to bottom Clevedon Town in midweek.

“We were heavy-legged,” said manager Gary Ackling. “But I'm not looking for excuses. “We defend well and are a good counter-attacking side,” he said, “and that works better for us against the top teams.

“But when we play the lower teams and have more of the ball, we don't do so well because we just don't have that little extra quality to make it count.

“But that's why we are where we are.”

Thatcham look like being without left back Paul Taplin, who picked up a groin injury on Tuesday nigt, while Matt Bowler and the suspended Sean Cook also miss out, although they should be back for Tuesday night's home return with Sholing at Waterside Park.

Hellenic League promotion-chasers Newbury make the short trip to Woodley Town in Division One East on Saturday while Lambourn Sports tackle Kintbury Rangers in a North Berks League derby at Bockhampton Road.