Bater stays at Mangotsfield after assurances from the chairman

EVO-STIK DIVISION ONE S&W

Mangotsfield United manager Phil Bater will be staying at Cossham Street until at least the end of the season following clear-the-air talks with club chairman Mike Richardson.

Bater's absence from last Saturday's 4-1 defeat at Poole sparked rumours that he had quit in protest at continuing cuts to his budget, which has led to an exodus of players.

Assistant manager James Rowberry took charge at Poole, but Bater will be back in the dugout for tomorrow's game at Thatcham.

"It has been difficult over the last few months," said Bater. "The cuts to the budget have seen us lose some good players and we needed to do something about it.

"I had a chat with the chairman on Tuesday to get some assurances that things are going to change.

"The talks were very constructive and the chairman has assured me that he is being proactive in his attempts to move the club forward.

"It is not something that will happen overnight, but I was happy with what was said and have committed to carrying on until the end of the season at the very least."

Following the departure of strike duo Tom Knighton and Daine O'Connor, wide man Joe McLennan moved to Hungerford. Karim Rendall returns tomorrow, but midfielder Geraint Bater is still suspended and Jake Slocombe has also left the club.

Mangotsfield (from): Astley, Parrinello, Hoyle, Jack, Marshall, Colborne, Purnell, Seavill, Parker, McClennan, Rendall, Tooze, Page.

Clevedon Town host leaders Bideford determined to replicate the form that earned them a 3-2 Red Insure Cup victory the last time the sides met.

"We played really well that night," said Clevedon boss Mickey Bell. "What we did was work extremely hard and we'll have to do the same again."

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

Promotion-chasing Paulton Rovers go to Taunton Town looking to make amends after conceding an 86th-minute equaliser in a home draw with lowly Abingdon last week.

Boss Mark Harrington is without left-back Jack Allward, who has a groin strain, and central defender Scott Brice is also a doubt.

Taunton have only lost one of their last six league games.

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

Yate Town continue their late bid to make the play-offs at home to bottom side Stourport Swifts.

Tyrone Mings and Mark Badman are suspended, while Russ Church has left the club.

Yate (from): Dempsey, Ancin, Warren, Vahid, Greenwood, Mackie, Thomas, Nichols, Groves, Stone, Ferguson, Cousins, Meaker, Knighton.

Bishop's Cleeve head back down the M5 to Tiverton after last weekend's 3-3 draw at Taunton as they continue to compete for a place in the end-of-season play-offs.

Happy to see his side scoring three times on their travels thanks to a Carl Brown hat-trick, Sykes was ultimately left dissatisfied by the point.

Sykes said: "Of course we have to take the positives of taking a point on our travels, although we felt we could have done better."

Cinderford Town will look to get their play-off charge back on course with victory over visiting North Leigh.

Recent signings Aaron Cornwall, Kris Miller and Josh Emery should all be involved this afternoon.

Bridgwater Town do not have a scheduled fixture.