THREE games in a week and, slowly but surely, the performances are improving.

On Tuesday night we played very well against Salisbury City, only to go down by the only goal of the game in the first half. This performance, without several key players, showed me the true value of our powerful squad. We had many chances to win the game and if Ian (Murphy) had converted our penalty I'm sure we would have seen a different result.

On Saturday against Bishop Sutton in very difficult conditions we played extremely well and recorded an excellent 5-1 victory.

Even more pleasing for me was the fact that we had five different goal scorers and we could possibly have had a couple more. We are still without many key players but hopefully in the next couple of weeks we will be able to return to full strength. We are currently third in the table and if we are still there at Christmas I will be delighted.

This Saturday we have an interesting looking game against Bridgwater, Bridgy are flying this season and had a great result away to Bideford last week in the Vase. They are a strong, well organised team who will again raise their game when they visit Hardenhuish Park. It will be tough, but if you get behind us I'm hopeful we will get something from the game.

The draw for the FA Carlsberg Vase took place at Bradford City on Monday. We have been given a very tricky tie at home to Yate Town, who had a superb victory over Swindon Supermarine last week. With former Bluebirds, Martin Boyle, Tony Fortte and Darren Hobbs in the squad we will need to be 100 per cent focused for that game.

While Swindon Town continue to struggle it is good to see Charlie Griffin still among the goals, this time on loan for Woking. I still speak regularly to Charlie and despite his excellent goals return this season, he doesn't even get a look in at Swindon. Last week he scored for Woking against Forest Green Rovers. In goal for FGR was former Melksham and Chippenham goalkeeper Steve Perrin. Only a couple of years ago they were playing against each other in local Wiltshire derbies.

Also in the FGR side was another ex-Bluebird, Steve Campbell. Steve played for a short while at Chippenham and showed an excellent attitude. Letting him go is possibly the biggest mistake I have ever made as a manager, but decisions have to be made and we all drop the occasional ricket don't we? It does go to show there is a lot of talent around locally and I'm sure several other local lads will be stepping up the leagues in the next few years.

Finally, Congratulations go to Brian (Newlands) and his Devizes boys on their excellent run in the FA Cup. The only advice I would give them is to try to enjoy it. It would be fantastic for them if they could win, but regardless of the result they have done brilliantly. Imagine a home tie against a league club in the next round. What an incentive. I wish them well, it could be a chance of a life time. If I could be there I would and they have done the county of Wiltshire proud with their run. Well done.