SUPERMARINE have lost their most consistent defensive performer for six weeks but he leaves the club in safe hands.

Steve Davies will be exploring Australia when his teammates travel to Gresley Rovers tomorrow but the centre half has helped his estranged teammates to a welcome accolade as a parting gift.

Marine keeper Tom King and his rearguard have been given the Dr Martens League's 'Safe Hands' award for November after conceding just one goal in the Western Division.

Now manager Ray Baverstock hopes his depleted backline can keep the clean sheets coming in Davies' absence.

"Steve has probably been our most consistent performer over the past 10 weeks so losing him is a big blow," said Baverstock.

"The award came as a surprise, because I think the defence has been our biggest downfall this season.

"But the award shows that we can defend when we have to and that has to be the case right across the park."

With Davies' fellow defensive rock Darren McCluskey still recovering from a long-term ankle injury, Marine have limited options at the back ahead of the Gresley clash.

"Macca (McCluskey) is still a few weeks off and I am looking at possibly bringing in a couple of new faces but Stuart Hodson has come in and done well at the back and Chris Copp has played in the centre a few times this season and done well."

Baverstock will be hoping his side can repeat their 2-1 opening day win over Gresley at Hunts Copse.

That defeat saw Rovers embark on a four-game losing streak to leave them at the bottom of the table.

But the appointment of Gary Norton as manager has seen the Moatmen rise to a more stable mid-table position.

Along with Davies, Marine will be without midfielder Dave Slattery who completes his four-match ban.

Baverstock will be forced to choose between Dave Toomey and Jimmy Carter up front.

Toomey will be favourite to get the nod after netting twice in the 3-2 win over Mangotsfield last week.

Probable Marine line-up: King, Copp, Futcher, Bennett, Hodson, Gee, Terry, Harris, Matthews, Toomey, Miller.

CIRENCESTER are without a game this weekend as scheduled opponents Atherstone folded earlier in the season.