CHARD manager Paul Down has to deal with a squad that is down to the bare bones as his side host Malmesbury Victoria in the Toolstation Western League this weekend (ko 3pm).

With three players - James Boyland, Pat Golden and Scott Jakeman - unavailable, Max Westlake and Dave Duarte carrying injuries and Luke Jackson definitely out, Down will be hoping skipper Taoufik Ben Salem and Andy Holmes will be fit enough to play next weekend.

Even with these two players, Down has only 11 players from his 17-man squad fit for Saturday.

Down also described last week’s defeat at Portishead as a “good learning curve” for his young team.

Reflecting on the 3-2 reverse, he said: “It was a narrow defeat in the end and a good fightback after being 3-0 down at half-time.

“It was a good learning curve for the players, six of whom are in their first season of Western League football.”

ILMINSTER TOWN were victims of the weather on Saturday when their match against bottom-of-the-table Congresbury was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

The match has been rearranged for April.

On Saturday, they have the reverse fixture at Congresbury.

James Govier and his promotion chasing Reserves are home to Bickleigh Reserves in the Devon & Exeter Division 7. Kick-off is 3pm.