SWINDON Supermarine chairman Steve Moore has confirmed that he will not be stepping down from his role before the new Dr Martens League campaign begins.

Moore intended to resign at the end of last season after 10 years at the helm, but finding a suitable replacement has proved a difficult task.

Moore and the Supermarine board have held discussions with numerous suitors over the summer, with former Swindon Town chairmen Rikki Hunt and Cliff Puffett strongly rumoured to be among the front runners.

In the meantime, Moore has appeased the club's backers by agreeing to stay in the hotseat while negotiations rage on.

"I'm still talking to several people about the future of the club," confirmed Moore.

"Several have expressed an interest in becoming involved and making a bigger contribution to take this club forward.

"We're still looking into one or two possibilities, so for the time being I've been asked to carry on looking after things which I fully intend to do.

"So to all intents and purposes I'm retaining my role as chairman and will continue to act as chairman of the club until we've concluded discussions with these people.

"I'm optimistic that something very positive will come from the discussions, I just need to ensure the future of the club is looked after first."

Moore watched Marine continue their pre-season preparations with a 2-2 home draw against Hook Norton yesterday.

Dave Toomey and Kenny Hawkins were on target in a decent workout.

Marine youngster Chris Oke is unlikely to play again until next pre-season though after the injury he picked up against Selectabook on Thursday was diagnosed as ruptured cruciate ligaments.

CIRENCESTER were unable to break down a resolute Winchester outfit, drawing 0-0.

But Ciren boss Brian Hughes did manage to finalise deals for striker Jody Bevan and midfield man Toby Clark at the weekend.

Highworth were beaten 3-2 by Wilts League side AFC Stratton, for whom Phil Corcoran scored twice.

Russ Byrne and Stuart Bellinger were on target for Highworth.

Calne Town were also upset by Wilts League opposition, losing 2-1 at home to Trowbridge, while Malmesbury Vics won by the same score against Melksham Town.

Cirencester United drew 0-0 with Hardwicke and Wootton Bassett were soundly beaten 5-0 by Westbury United.