CIRENCESTER Town boss Brian Hughes admits his team's increasing fixture backlog could cost them a tilt at the Dr Martens Western Division title.

The Centurions travel to fellow contenders Halesowen tonight, having played just 19 of their 42 fixtures to date.

Most of their rivals, including leaders Redditch, have played six more and the cancellation of Ciren's trip to Cinderford on Saturday only added to the problem.

Manager Hughes said: "At this rate I'm going to have to cancel my holiday in June because we'll still be playing.

"We haven't even completed half of our fixtures yet. We could end up playing three games a week towards the end of the season and that's the thing that could really trip us up."

Ciren remain fourth in the table despite their inactivity, 15 points behind the leaders but with those six games in hand.

Victory in the midlands tonight would virtually end sixth-placed Halesowen's hopes of challenging.

Hughes names the same squad that would have travelled to Cinderford, with Scott Griffin and Darren Robison back from suspension.

Robison's return may be shortlived however. The defender faces a Gloucestershire FA hearing after being sent from the touchline in a recent reserve game against Gloucester City.

Swindon Supermarine face a lengthy midweek trek, with Shepshed Dynamo the destination a prospect that does not excite manager Tommy Saunders.

"It's just about the most awkward fixture you could ask for on a cold Tuesday night in January," he said.

Back-up keeper Ian Gill misses the trip after injuring himself playing for Sunday League Green Baize.

On-loan midfielder Nathan Edwards is also out with a hamstring strain but Alan Young has shaken off a knock. Glenn Armstrong and Dave Gee are also drafted into the squad.

n New College lost out 2-1 to Filton College in their first South West Counties encounter of 2004.

College dominated the second half and Filton were fortunate to snatch victory.