BARRY GILES may have to continue his role as caretaker for a while longer after the top target for the vacant managerial post at Wootton Bassett turned the job down.

The unnamed individual believed to be on the coaching staff at another Hellenic League club was approached this week after expressing an interest in the position.

But he has decided to stay put, leaving the Premier Division basement boys still looking for a permanent replacement for Pete Yeardley who quit a month ago.

Bassett chairman Mark Smedley confirmed: "Earlier this week the preferred applicant for the role decided to pull out and commit himself to his current position at another club, leaving us to once again consider our options.

"In the interim we will be looking to persuade caretaker manager Barry Giles and his assistant Chris Jones to continue the sterling work they have done to date in running the side since Pete's departure."

While the search goes on, Bassett face a visit from a title-chasing Didcot side now featuring ex-Swindon, Oxford and West Ham winger Joey Beauchamp, pictured below.

Bassett will be at full strength with the exception of Matty Bennett who is on county duty.

Having successfully negotiated a gruelling December, Highworth remain top of the Premier.

John Fisher takes his buoyant troops to Tuffley firmly believing they will take some stopping in their search for silverware.

"Everyone is still waiting for us to falter but I can't see it," he said.

"We've brought in experienced players like Andy Minturn and Mark O'Hara and competition for places is really good."

Fisher has plenty of selection posers, with JP Mills the only one of his embarrassment of riches not available for the trip.

Fairford travel to Henley without playmaker Kevin Coles who is set to sign for Witney but Green Baize hotshot Terry Moore has joined the Cinder Lane brigade and Lee Stoddart is available this weekend.

Kenny Hawkins and Courtney Chessell are also back in training after lengthy lay-offs.

Purton's recent return to form will be severely tested when Division One West leaders Trowbridge bring their army of fans to the Red House. Chris Pethick's team were thumped 6-0 in the reverse fixture, but Pethick is expecting a closer contest this time.

"We are going into the game in a bit of form," he said. "Trowbridge are a good side but I expect it to be a lot closer than last time we played them."

Pethick has been handed a further boost by the return of Simon Pugh and Paul Blagdon, while Lee Northcott is also set for a recall after injury.

Shrivenham face a hazardous trek to Cheltenham Saracens.

It's a game Alan Dyton's side can ill afford to lose as the likes of Trowbridge, Kidlington and Tytherington look to leave the chasing pack trailing.

Mark Stevens is suspended, while Mark Peters (broken wrist), Russ Byrne (groin), Andy Rainer (hernia) and Steve Winchcombe (ankle) are still on the treatment table but Michael O'Sullivan is recalled. Elsewhere, Malmesbury entertain Adderbury and Cirencester United travel to Kidlington.

IN the Screwfix Premier, Devizes host Torrington and Corsham bid to extend their 11-match unbeaten run at Clyst. Calne face fellow First Division title hopefuls Willand and Biddestone tackle Almondsbury.

Most of them will be understrength with players in the Wiltshire under 18 squad to face Suffolk in the quarter-final of the FA Counties Youth Cup.

The tie takes place at Melksham's Conigre tomorrow, kick-off 1.30pm.

WILTSHIRE SQUAD

Josh Brigham, Yan Klukowski, Andy Shackel (all Bath C), Jed Hare (Devizes), Scott Lye, Jamie Lyons (all Corsham), Matt Bound (Forest Green), Gary Higdon, Jack Nicholas, Nick Rideout (all Melksham), Adam Heath (Salisbury), Eddie Quelch (Warminster), Matty Bennett (Wootton Bassett), Terry Bohane (New College), Stuart Pearson (Westbury), Lee Salter (Cirencester), Sam Collier (Supermarine).