IT'S derby weekend in the Western Division but Supermarine boss Ray Baverstock insists that local pride is of secondary importance compared to his side's desperate need for points.
Neighbours Cirencester are the visitors to Hunts Copse tomorrow and Baverstock is plotting the downfall of his former club as Marine attempt to bridge the nine-point gap to safety.
The reverse fixture on February 1 finished in a thrilling 3-3 draw and more fireworks are expected when the local rivals collide again.
There will be little between the two sides at South Marston, although Marine certainly have more to play for.
While Ciren are stuck in the mid-table abyss, Baverstock's boys are fighting for their Western Division lives.
The glut of former Ciren players in the Hunts Copse ranks not to mention the manager may also feel they have something to prove to their former employer.
Baverstock is playing down any grudge though he just wants three points to help the cause. He said:
"I'm not concerned with Cirencester anymore, I'm only concerned about Supermarine and getting three points on Saturday.
"We have nine games left and we need all the points we can get the opposition doesn't matter.
"The lads will be fired up, but they've been fired up for the last few weeks.
"We've been playing well for the last five weeks or so without always getting the rewards."
Baverstock's successor at Ciren is also keen to play down the hype. Current Centurions supremo Brian Hughes said:
"It's important because it's a local game but that's as far as it goes.
"Like a lot of the sides we've faced of late, Supermarine are scrapping for their lives and they are bound to make life difficult for us.
"Ray had his boys fired up at our place earlier in the season and I think that will be a yardstick for Saturday's game we will have to match them physically."
Hughes was encouraged by his side's 3-1 win over Bedworth on Tuesday Ciren's first league victory since January.
Academy youngster James Constable scored during an impressive debut and he could retain his place.
Forward Gareth Hopkins was successfully utilised as a makeshift defender, giving the Centurions boss further food for thought.
Ciren's only fitness doubts are James Hughes and Mike Davis. The duo picked up knocks against Bedworth but both are expected to win their fight for fitness.
Marine's main worry is defender Steve Davis who is struggling with a back complaint.
Loan signing Nick Williams is also doubtful. The Watford youngster continues to struggle with a groin problem and may have to wait to make his Hunts Copse debut.
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