Supermarine manager John Murphy fears old club Gloucester City will provide his new troops with their "toughest game to date" when the sides meet in a Western Division clash at Meadow Park tomorrow.

The proposition has been made even tougher by the loss of key defensive performers.

Nick Beaverstock and Adie Roper are both suspended, and Andy Jennings has business commitments.

Recent cover signing Toby Jackson is likely to retain his place at the back, and Murphy hopes to complete the signing of out-of-favour Chippenham right-back Lea James (pictured left) in time for the trip up the M5.

Gloucester have fallen from grace since the days when Murphy took the helm in the mid-nineties.

Having flirted with promotion to the Conference a handful of seasons ago, the Tigers are now only 15th in the Dr Martens Western Division.

But Murphy is adamant that the financially troubled former non-league heavyweights still pack a punch.

"I am certain that this will be our toughest game so far," said the Marine boss.

"The club has changed a lot in recent years due to diminishing resources, but their manager Chris Burns has assembled a squad with very little Southern League experience, but a high amount of physical commitment."

Murphy added: "We will need to play the best we have so far if we are to get anything from the game."

Likely Supermarine line-up: Haines, James, Jackson, Davis, Dunton, Jack, Donnelly, Bennett, Knight, Hulbert, Macklin.