Striking options

Paul Metheringham has staked his claim for a regular place in YateTown's forward line.

Metheringham, who has struggled with a series of injuries, startedhis first game of the season in Tuesday's Southern League Cup matchagainst Mangotsfield United.

He responded to manager Richard Thomson's vote of confidence byscoring in the 3-0 victory and, with partner Matt Rawlins alsohitting the net, it is likely they'll lead the attack at Corbytomorrow.

"We have real competition for places up front now," said Thompson.

"Justin Pritchard wasn't fit for Wednesday because of a groinstrain but he'll be back in the squad for Corby while Tony Bennetthas now recovered from a neck problem.

"But Paul started his first game of the season on Tuesday, workedreally hard and scored so I was really pleased with him.

"Both he and Matt Rawlins did really well so they would expect tokeep their places, but as with every game you look at the oppositionto see how they play and what will suit us best."

Metheringham's return to action also ruled out any immediate hopesthat Almondsbury and Brislington had of signing him.

"Both clubs put in seven days for Paul but he was never goinganywhere," added Thompson.

The other dilemma facing Thompson this weekend is over who playsin goal.

Tony Court is suspended with a one-match ban and Yate's reserveteam keeper is unavailable.

Mangotsfield United will get a treble lift for the visit of OxfordCity.

James Zabek, Olly Price and Jason Drysdale all return fromsuspensions.

Their comeback will certainly strengthen manager Martyn Grimshaw'steam, but there is a question mark over Drysdale's availabilitybecause Paulton Rovers have put in seven days for him.

Southampton University student Gary Warren also missed the Yategame but will be back tomorrow while there will be late fitness testsfor Dean Pendry, Gareth Loyden and Shane Hobbs.

"We have no excuses for the Yate defeat, it was a poorperformance," said assistant manager Nigel Webb.

There will also be interest in whether Darren Edwards is recalledto the team after being dropped to the bench for the last two gamesas Grimshaw switched to a 4-5-1 formation with Rob Claridge leadingthe line.

Clevedon Town manager Kevin Hodges is hoping midfielder LeeVickerman will be back in contention for his side's first ever visitto Bracknell Town tomorrow.

Vickerman skippered the Seasiders in their 1-0 win over ThameUnited last weekend, but aggravated a neck muscle problem and sat outthe midweek 3-1 League Cup win over Swindon Supermarine as DaveHorseman came in.

Hodges also has worries over Geraint Bater (groin) and Tom Jacobs(ankle ligaments) and will definitely be without hamstring victimSteve Lester.

Division One West strugglers Bracknell have lost five of their sixhome games so far and are still looking for their first win on homesoil.

"We played well against Thame last weekend and set a benchmark wehave to live up to. Although we didn't do that in the first halfagainst Swindon Supermarine in midweek, we did redeem ourselves afterthe break and overall I have to be pleased with the way the lastcouple of games have gone," said Hodges.