Sykes demands the same intensity from his Bishop's Cleeve side

EVO-STIK DIVISION ONE S&W

Alex Sykes has called upon his Bishop's Cleeve players to maintain their 'cup final' intensity when they travel to Taunton Town today.

In their last three games, Cleeve have secured six points out of nine against the divisions top three, including at Paulton on Tuesday, leaving Sykes a happy man.

"It was another really good performance against Paulton, really pleasing to go there and get the double," said Sykes.

"In our dressing room, it's all about managing our expectations and that is to have a push for the play-offs.

"We've had a really good January so far, with only one defeat out of a tough bunch of games, but we must kick-on.

"We now have to go to places like Taunton and get results and repeat that kind of intensity from the Paulton game.

"It's no use having games on paper that look easier – because experience tells me that it's not always the case.

"It's such a competitive league that we know that we have to perform well to get the results we want."

Left-back Ryan Clarke remains a doubt with Ashley Caldwell expected to keep his place in the back four.

Cinderford Town host fellow play-off candidates Sholing at the Causeway in a fixture which could be crucial for both sides' promotion hopes.

The Foresters are sixth in the table, three points behind the Boatmen in fourth.

Sholing's visit is the start of a testing period for Steve Peters' side, who host buoyant North Leigh next weekend, before travelling to second-placed Hungerford.

Lewis Sommers remains on the sidelines with Kris Miller continuing in his place.

Michael Meaker has defended Yate Town's transfer policy after the signing of striker Tom Knighton from Mangotsfield.

Assistant boss Meaker said: "We're working within a budget, just like everybody else in the league. I've heard people say that we are throwing money around, but that is just wrong."

Yate face Thatcham at Lodge Road today still missing the services of defender Adie Adams (back) and wide man Jake Cox (knee).

Yate (from): Dempsey, Ancin, Warren, Greenwood, Vahid, Mings, Mackie, Nichols, Stone, Ferguson, Church, Cousins, Meaker.

Mangotsfield United boss Phil Bater can go some way to filling the void left by Yate-bound Knighton by recalling Mitchell Page after suspension for today's trip to the south coast to face Poole.

The manager's son, Geraint Bater, however, misses out because of a ban of his own.

Mangotsfield (from): Astley, Parrinello, Hoyle, Jack, Marshall, Colborne, Purnell, Seavill, Parker, McClennan, Slocombe, Rendall, Tooze, Knighton, O'Connor.

Clevedon Town will attempt to maintain their momentum when struggling Wimborne visit the Hand Stadium.

Lloyd Mills is rated as doubtful, but Matt Thorne is back in the squad after a suspension.

Clevedon (from): Mellor, Teale, Kingdon, Best, Hemmings, Edwards-Samuels, Rich, Walker, Gale, Kington, Brimson, Thorne, Henderson-Hudson, Sims, Moss, Ricketts, Muggeridge, Mills.

Paulton Rovers boss Mark Harrington is considering a number of changes for today's clash with Abingdon United at Winterfield Road.

Scott Brice is doubtful after sustaining a knock.

Paulton (from): Phillips, Tovey, Allward, Mapstone, Dunn, Price, Brice, Mahdi, Bridges, Loxton, Billing, Jeffries, Cleverley, Lacey, Osman, Harvey.

Bridgwater have a tough assignment at fifth-placed Gosport, who are in the thick of the battle for the play-offs.