CHIPPENHAM Town manager Tommy Saunders can move a step closer to achieving another of his managerial goals when his in-form side entertain Dr Martens Premier Division rivals Weymouth on Saturday.

The Bluebirds chief, who has achieved back-to-back promotions and led his side out at Wembley since taking over at the helm in 1998, has never made a secret of his desire to land a Nationwide League club at home in the first round proper of the FA Cup.

Chippenham's elevation to the Premier Division means they enter the competition at the second qualifying round stage and stand just three wins away from a possible meeting with a professional side on November 16.

The winners of Saturday's clash will net £7,500 in prize money, with a further £10,000 at stake in the third qualifying round.

But Saunders' is prepared to put his burning ambition to pit himself against a league boss to one side this term as he battles to ensure Premier Division survival for the Bluebirds.

He said: "From my point of view the FA Cup is a dream, it is all about romance.

"But, while my aim is to get to the first round of the competition, my overall aim is to make sure the club is still in the Premier Division this time next year.

"Don't get me wrong, I'd absolutely love to do well on Saturday, but I'd rather win the league game we have at Weymouth on a Tuesday night in a couple of weeks' time.

"If we get a league club in the first round of the FA Cup but get relegated in the same season, I shouldn't think I'll still be in a job."

Skipper Gareth Davies is definitely missing for the Bluebirds after tearing a groin muscle in the 2-1 win over Folkestone Invicta on Saturday. Wayne Thorne, who missed the clash through suspension, should return.

Stand-in goalkeeper James Bittner was yesterday still undecided as to whether he would continue to deputise for the injured Paul Thompson.

Bittner is pursuing a return to the professional game and is keen to avoid becoming cup-tied.

Said Saunders: "It will be a very difficult game and we'll really miss Gareth Davies at the back.

"I hope Bittner plays and think he should, but if he doesn't then Thommo will play. People like Ian Jones used to play when they were 70 per cent fit all the time."

A late goal denied Chippenham victory over Weymouth as the sides drew 1-1 in the Premier Division at Hardenhuish just three weeks ago.

The visitors' manager Geoff Butler concedes his side will go into the game as underdogs.

Said Butler: "Chippenham are doing very, very well and I like the people there. I always have a good laugh and a joke with Tom.

"It is a shame one of us has to go out, but we'll be trying our best to win the game. It is all on the day, but they are the favourites.

Former Salisbury City boss Butler enquired about the availability of Bluebirds frontman Adie Mings last week, only to be told by Saunders that the big striker is going nowhere.

Saunders himself is keen to add to his ranks after acquiring the services of striker Charlie Griffin on a permanent basis from Woking last week.

He has submitted seven days' notice of approach Bath City's Gary Horgan and will meet with the out-of-contract midfielder tomorrow to discuss a deal.