WHILE most of Wootton Bassett's problems this season have been in attack, it is the defence that is causing manager Pete Yeardley grief this weekend.

Yeardley's troops travel to fellow Hellenic Premier Division strugglers Almondsbury with the heart of their rearguard missing.

Paul Davis is still sidelined through injury and Stuart Lamont and Rich Willis are unavailable because of work commitments.

That means that Mark Vaughan and Andy Hallett could be used as a makeshift pairing in the centre of defence.

Yeardley is boosted by the return of Stuart Bellinger who will add incision to an attack that has scored just 19 times in 26 games to leave Bassett third from bottom.

Bristol side Almondsbury, managed by former Liverpool defender Nicky Tanner, are just two places and one point above Bassett.

They have lost their last five outings, including a 1-0 defeat to John Fisher's Highworth.

Yeardley said: "I've spoken to John about Almondsbury and he said they were very direct and looked quite a poor side.

"But every time we've played a side like that this season we've come out looking worse. Hopefully we can turn it around."

Highworth should be unchanged for the visit of Bicester, with veterans Andy Wollen and Dave Webb added to the squad.

Highworth remain in sixth place after their midweek trip to Bishops Cleeve was cancelled and boss Fisher expects to keep pace with leaders Didcot.

He said: "We are expected to win but Bicester did beat us 1-0 on the opening day of the season.

"I would be very disappointed if we didn't get three points to keep us in contention."

Fairford hot-shot Phil Corcoran is staying put after turning down an approach from champions North Leigh.

The in-form forward will lead the line at Hook Norton tomorrow, much to the delight of manager Mark Webb.

"North Leigh offered him much more than I could, but Corky's enjoying his football with us at the moment and wanted to stay.

"We're happy because he's scored more than one a game since coming back to us from Stratton."

Fairford's only fitness doubts are Chris Knowles and Steve Thomas who are both struggling with knee problems.

Shrivenham face a potential title eliminator in Division One West when they travel to Witney.

Alan Dyton's side are third, a point ahead of their hosts, but 10 points behind leaders Purton, albeit with two games in hand.

Matthew Hampson, Doug Imrie and Tegg Jones are unavailable but Nathan Holt and Darren Cummins return to the squad and Dan Prescott will make his debut.

Top dogs Purton are expected to consolidate their position at home to a useful Quarry Nomads side.

Forwards Eurshal Fearon and Clifton Soares are back in contention, but Nick Doods is on holiday.

Elsewhere, Malmesbury travel to Adderbury Park and Cirencester United visit Headington Amateurs.

Highworth and Fairford have not applied for a place in the Dr Martens League next season.

Non-league restructuring means that several clubs could earn effective promotion from the Hellenic, but the high-flying local sides will not be in the shake up.

Top flight clubs Abingdon, Bishops Cleeve, Brackley, Didcot, Hungerford, North Leigh, Slimbridge and Southall have declared their interest in making the step up.