A League Cup derby between Chippenham and Cirencester should be something to savour but the respective managers are hardly salivating at the prospect of this evening's showdown at Hardenhuish Park.

With both clubs in the thick of the Southern Premier title race, Steve White and Brian Hughes have bigger fish to fry and neither will be risking full-strength sides for the sake of local bragging rights.

Hughes, in particular, has little time for the competition and will field a mix of fringe players and academy starlets.

"The sooner it's over the better," said Hughes.

"The last thing I want is to win this and end up drawing Grantham away on a Tuesday night in the next round."

It does though give Hughes the opportunity to look at new signing Adi Viveash.

The veteran former Swindon defender will be handed his Ciren debut.

"It's a good chance to give him a run-out and let him see the pace of the game at this level," added Hughes.

"I also like to use these fixtures as an opportunity to look at some of the younger lads but that's about it I've no interest in the opposition or the competition."

White is less scathing about a cup in which Chippenham have fared well in recent years, with semi and quarter-final appearances in the past two seasons.

"Some of the lads that have been kicking their heels on the bench in recent weeks will be given a game," he said.

"But these are not inexperienced players people like James Constable, Martin Paul and Mark Badman.

"They just haven't been able to get in the team of late because those players that have hold of the shirts have done so well.

"I wouldn't say the match is a distraction from the league. It's just another game that gives some players some much-needed match practice."

Elsewhere, Highworth face a 'must-win' Hellenic League clash with Shortwood.

That's the view of manager John Fisher who has seen his long-time Premier Division leaders overhauled at the summit by Bishops Cleeve who are now three points clear with a game in hand.

A home victory which should be a formality will keep Highworth in contention, with Cleeve in action at Almondsbury tomorrow.

"We've got to win," said Fisher.

"I can see Cleeve dropping points at Almondsbury.They're going to drop points at some stage but the key is we have to keep winning our games especially against the lesser sides."

Steve Richardson will be recalled to the squad following Gary Hill's defection to Fairford. Justin Miller also returns after illness but Shaun Terry is out with an ankle injury and Matty Saye is suspended.

LAST NIGHT'S RESULTS

FA Cup

Third Round Replay: Swansea 0 Reading 1 (AET).

Tennents Scottish Cup

Third Round: Gretna 3 Dundee Utd 4.

TONIGHT'S FIXTURES

(7.45 unless stated)

FA Cup

Third Round: Burnley v Liverpool

Third Round Replay: Blackpool v Leicester