CHIPPENHAM face their second local derby in a week when Cirencester visit Hardenhuish Park on Saturday.

After their draw with Bath on Tuesday night Chippenham face another promotion chasing team.

Cirencester are lying in ninth position but are just three points off fifth spot and the final play-off place.

They have two games in hand over most of their opposition but need to pick up points at Chippenham to stay in the hunt.

Manager Brian Hughes is delighted with how his players have done this season and only considers a play-off place as a bonus to a good season.

He said: "We are a little club and have been near the top for most of the season. We have worked extremely hard this year and will keep plodding along and see what happens.

"We set off this season with the high target of finishing in the play-offs, we are surprised and very pleased with how we have done and have a chance of reaching the play-offs."

The coach thinks Cirencester are in a good position as they have played every team above them twice, with the exception of Chippenham and Merthyr Tydfil.

The boss is hoping his team can pick up points against the league leaders on Saturday.

"We are looking forward to the game but we did not play at the weekend and are at bit of a loose end. We will treat them with respect and expect a tough game."

The Bluebirds came out on top 1-0 in the fixture at Cirencester thanks to a penalty from winger Scott Walker. The boss will be hoping for a different result although his side did test the title chasers last October.

Cirencester will have to improve on their current form if they wish to turn over the league leaders. They have only picked up three points out of the last 12 as they were beaten by Kings Lynn, Bath and more recently Tiverton.

Their last league victory came in January when Hitchin left Cirencester on the back of a 3-1 defeat.

Hughes is pleased that none of his players have an injury but first they have to get through the Gloucester Senior Cup semi-final against league outfit Bristol Rovers, which took place last night.

Hughes will be hoping his two wingers, Nick Stanley and Ben Finch will be on ttop form. The two have shone for Cirencester this season and are the manager's players to watch.

Hughes said: "They represent everything the club stands for, they are both academy players who have come through the ranks here.

"Like most young players they lack experience but when they play well the whole team plays well."