ANOTHER week, another knock-back for Mark Collier.

Enraged by a sloppy midweek defeat at Bracknell, the mood of the Supermarine boss was hardly lightened by top target Phil Corcoran's apparent decision to join Highworth.

That comes a fortnight after Calne striker Matt Pratley spurned his advances.

Collier has now switched his attention to an unnamed Premier Division forward, although wage demands could prove the latest stumbling block.

In the meantime, the South Marston supremo has managed to boost his attacking options somewhat by recruiting former Gloucester City left winger Carl Palmer. He is set to make his debut when local rivals Oxford City come to Hunts Copse tomorrow but there are plenty who won't feature.

Steve Davies is still suspended, Tony Joyce is on holiday and Roger Emms is out with a head injury.

Hamstring problems also keep Dave Gee and Dave Hunt out, while Sam Collier is on the list of long-term absentees.

Swindon versus Oxford is a footballing derby that usually whets the appetite, but with City coming in from the Ryman League in the summer, there is little history between the two teams.

"Last week against Paulton was more of a derby for us because we all knew each other," said Collier.

"This is almost like any other game and the only thing I'm concerned with is getting three points."

Cirencester chairman Steve Abbley is pulling out all the stops to ensure his club stay in contention for the Premier Division title.

The Centurions face the long haul to King's Lynn and Abbley has ensured the troops prepare properly by footing the bill to stay overnight this evening.

Ciren manager Brain Hughes confirmed: "We're stopping over so we get a decent night's sleep.

"The chairman is doing his best to give this club the maximum opportunity of getting something out of this game and fair play to him because not many chairmen would."

The squad continues to shake off the flu epidemic which has festered at the Corinium for the last fortnight, though Hughes himself is struggling with the virus.

Darren Robison, Neil Arndale and Scott Griffin are still injured but Adam Mayo returns from suspension.

Ciren continue to pursue in-form leaders Chippenham who face a tricky trip to Grantham a fixture that traditionally ends in a low scoring draw.

Wayne Thorne, who has twice been sent off against the Gingerbreads in the past two seasons, remains the key injury worry but the Bluebirds are unbeaten in 2005 and travel in high spirits.

Manager Steve White has persuaded utility man Simon Charity to stay put following an approach from Paulton.

White may be looking to off-load one of his forwards, however, as he looks to bolster other positions ahead of the run-in for the title.