John Murphy takes his rejuvenated Swindon Supermarine side to Wales tonight in the first round of the Dr Martens Cup.

Fallen non-league giants Merthyr Tydfil provide the opposition, as the new Marine boss looks to build on Saturday's encouraging league win at Redditch.

Although some may see the clash as an unwelcome distraction from the priority of league survival, Murphy believes the tie will provide the ideal opportunity to familiarise himself with the squad he has inherited.

The former Cheltenham boss has already earmarked possible areas of experimentation ahead of the clash.

He said: "We have to start looking at systems and tactics to suit the players we have at the moment.

"Pete Farrow played at left-back on Saturday, for example. I know he is naturally a centre-back, so we may look to play him in a three-man defence.

"I also see Steve Bennett's future in a more attacking role. He's got pace and he's good on the ball. Playing him in midfield seems a negative option, so that's another thing we'll look at."

One player who won't be able to impress Murphy tonight is tricky winger Michael Silvanus.

The pacy youngster was carried off on Saturday with a gashed leg, and is almost certain to miss out tonight. Fellow front-runner Matty Saye will expect a recall after sitting out the Redditch match.

Marine's Welsh opponents have suffered a major decline in recent years.

Merthyr were among the Conference elite just a few seasons ago, but now find themselves embroiled in a relegation battle at the foot of the Dr Martens Premier Division.

Cirencester Town host Weston-super-Mare in the Dr Martens Cup tonight, with manager Ray Baverstock admitting that the game is an unwanted distraction.

With Ciren languishing in the Western Division drop zone, Baverstock is desperate to resume a run of league games as the club bid to pull away from trouble.

"I just want to get tonight's game out of the way, to be honest," said Baverstock.

"We need to concentrate on getting ourselves out of trouble in the league."

Visitors Weston are currently managerless following the controversial dismissal of John Relish.

Many of Weston's players have turned their back on the club as a result of the Relish situation, but that didn't stop the Seagulls trouncing Shepshed 5-0 at the weekend.

With Baverstock adamant that the league cup holds little significance this season, the Ciren chief may see the game as an ideal opportunity to experiment with players and formations.

First team regulars Dave Gee and Nathan Holt will definitely be rested, as both continue to recover from injury.

Chris Bass will retain his place in the squad after impressing in Saturday's defeat to Halesowen. James Blastland will also be drafted into Baverstock's squad.

Tommy Saunders takes his Chippenham troops to old foes Mangotsfield tonight with more than cup glory at stake.

As well as a place in the Dr Martens Cup second round draw, Saunders' charges will be fighting for local pride.

The Bluebirds and Mangotsfield are old Screwfix sparring partners, and Town have several former 'Field players in their ranks, so the fixture is always viewed as a hotly- contested derby.

The two sides have already met in the league this season, when Town ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at Hardenhuish Park.

But tonight's hosts were missing several key performers that day, including former Bristol City striker David Seal, who is expected to play this evening.

Saunders has a full complement of players, and his only poser will be whether to start with Steve Tweddle in the forward line. The striker returned from a lengthy injury on Saturday to complete 45 minutes hitting the winner in a

2-1 victory over Bedworth.

If Saunders decides to risk Tweddle for the sake of local pride, one of the current strike pairing James Bent or Matt Rawlins will operate as a makeshift right winger. Other than that it's as you were for the Bluebirds.