JP MILLS will make his Supermarine debut as the heavily depleted South Marston outfit travel to Southern League Division One West leaders Mangotsfield.

The former Southampton, Chippenham and Weston midfielder, pictured, completed his switch from Highworth this week and is certain to start as Marine are hit by a spate of suspensions.

Roger Emms, Dave Gee and Steve Jenkins are serving one-match bans, while Steve Davies starts three games on the sidelines.

Added to that, Nathan Edwards is unavailable and Ian Howell (foot) and Dave Hunt (hamstring) are also set to miss out.

It means manager Mark Collier will have to call upon fringe players, with son Sam Collier and recent signing Jeremy Newton likely to feature and Mark Jones recalled from his loan spell at Melksham.

Of his new recruit Collier said: "JP brings something different to us. He adds a little bit of invention, has played at a decent level and is still young.

"We were looking to bring in a couple of lads on loan from Salisbury but they've had an injury crisis and will be hanging onto them for bit.

He added: "Going to the league leaders with seven or eight players out isn't ideal.

"We will be massive underdogs but it's a good chance for those fringe players coming in to shine."

Two of the favourites for the Premier Division crown collide at Hardenhuish Park tomorrow.

Hosts Chippenham go into the clash with Merthyr Tydfil as the form team and currently top the league on goal difference.

Long-time title favourites Merthyr have suffered a post-Christmas wobble but Bluebirds boss Steve White is under no illusion that the Welshmen pose a massive threat to their seven-match unbeaten run.

"I wouldn't say it's ever a good time to play them," said White.

"We've gone back to the top of the league recently but Merthyr have some very experienced players and it will be a very difficult game.

"Both teams have been up there since the start of the season. Now's the time we've got to push on and if we are still unbeaten by the end of the month I'll be happy."

A bumper crowd is expected and Chippenham will be at full-strength bar Wayne Thorne, with Martin Paul fit again after illness.

A flu epidemic effectively put an end to Cirencester's unbeaten Premier Division run this week.

Three players were ruled out and two played while suffering with the virus as the Centurions were beaten 1-0 at Bath City.

Michael Jackson, Gareth Hopkins and Phil Corcoran were all in their sickbeds and the trio face a race against time to be fit for the Premier Division visit of Hitchin tomorrow.

Jody Bevan and Marc Richards played while under the weather and should be fit to start.

Neil Arndale is on the mend following his groin injury but Darren Robison's hamstring keeps him sidelined.

The best of the club's academy are on stand-by, with Tom Etheridge set to feature again.