Town go for Self help

Injuries and suspensions force Thatcham boss to target winger's return

THATCHAM boss Gary Ackling is hoping to prise wide man Carl Self back from Hungerford in advance of his side's venture into the Forest of Dean to face fourth in the table Cinderford Town on Saturday.

Skipper Gareth Thomas and midfielder Sam Tucker are suspended following their sendings off in the home FA Trophy tie with Weymouth, and Tom Melledew and Scott Rees also await bans after collecting five bookings this term.

With Shane Kingston on business in France and Marc Green facing an indeterminate time out with a knee injury, Ackling is keen to cover the gaps in time to face an expected bombardment at Cinderford.

"You have to go toe-to-toe with them," he said, "but I know our lads can do that."

Thatcham shook off their 6-1 replay mauling at Weymouth to score back-to-back league wins against Bishops Cleeve and Abingdon United, and if they win at Cinderford, they could go to the top of the table if Hungerford lose and Bideford fail to win at Didcot.

BOTH clubs are in cup action on Tuesday night in the second round of the Red Insure League Cup.

Hungerford entertain Midlands Division Daventry Town at Bulpit Lane, while Thatcham make the trip to old Wessex League rivals Wimborne Town.