CHARD Town manager Jamie Manley hopes to include a new striker in his squad for Saturday’s trip to Portishead in the First Division of the Toolstation Western League (ko 3pm), writes Colin Dunford.

The new man, as yet unnamed, is sure to boost competition for starting places, although striker Dan Collins is still injured, as is central defender Andy Holmes (hamstring).

Last weekend’s snow disruption gave a chance for several Chard players nursing knocks to recover.

Manley expects Portishead to provide a stiff task; although they are in 19th spot and fighting relegation, he is taking nothing for granted.

Manley said: “We played them in the Somerset Premier Cup in November and at 90 minutes it was 1-1 and we won on penalties.

“They battled hard on a big pitch and particularly at home have done well recently.”

There is no soccer at Zembard Lane this Saturday, as the Reserves are away to neighbours Wellington Reserves in Division 1 of the Macron Devon & Exeter league (ko 3pm).

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WITH heavy snow causing all Somerset County League games to be cancelled, Ilminster Town – who are enjoying good start to the calendar year with three straight wins – are away to second-bottom Wrington this Saturday (ko 2.30pm), writes Andy Fish.

Andy Dyke should have a full squad to pick from, with Taylor Jefferson returning from suspension, and Ashley Lock and Carl Lazenby both back to full fitness for the trip to Wrington.

In Division 3, 11th-placed Combe St Nicholas travel to the side directly below them, Banwell.

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AS a result of last weekend's postponements, the focus this weekend in the Perry Street & District League will again be on the Challenge Cup quarter-finals which include some interesting match-ups.

Match of the day will be leaders Winsham Utd at home to second-placed South Petherton.

All cup matches kick off at 2pm while league fixtures begin at 2.30pm.

Other Challenge Cup ties include Farway Utd v Halstock, Misterton v Pymore and Merriott Rovers v West & Middle Chinnock.

The only Premier match scheduled will give home side Barrington the chance to rekindle their title hopes against lowly Shepton Beauchamp.

Clubs will also be bidding for a place in the semi-finals of the Daisy Hutchings Cup.

One possible upset could be at Forton where the Division 1 side take on Division 3 high-fliers Winsham Utd Res.

And Division 3 Thorncombe’s home tie with Lyme Regis Rovers is also hard to call.

In Division 1, Waytown Hounds will be looking to make a move on the top two when they travel to Combe St Nicholas Res.

Leaders Perry Street Res entertain struggling Uplyme and Hawkchurch face Misterton Res.

Kingsbury entertain Ilminster Town Res while Crewkerne Rangers make the trip to Netherbury.

Match of the day in Division 2 will take place at South Petherton Res where the top side takes on second-placed Charmouth.

When the two sides met in September, it was South Petherton who came out on top, 2-1.

Shepton Beauchamp Res and Dowlish & Donyatt will be battling for vital points to move away from the relegation zone.

Chard Rangers welcome Donyatt Utd.

Leaders Merriott Dynamos will be looking to open up a four-point gap at the top of Division 4 when they make the trip to Combe St Nicholas A.

At the other end of the table, Crewkerne Rangers A travel to Netherbury Res still looking for their first league victory of the season.

In the other fixtures, Ilminster Town B welcome Farway Utd Res and Merriott Wildcats are at home to Chard Rangers Res.