Fixture backlog harming us, says Patchway boss Johnson

Fran Johnson feels Patchway Town are paying the price for a string of postponements at Scott Park.

Town, who host leaders Highridge tomorrow, still have 18 games to cram in by mid-May.

"We've only played three times since December 5 and we haven't had a game in three weeks," said Johnson.

"The local council own the ground and all too frequently their groundsman has ruled the pitch unplayable as early as a Friday morning, instead of allowing refs to decide in the usual fashion on the Saturday."

Thornbury Town manager Dave Lippiatt says his players are relishing their dash up the table. "Given we have probably the youngest team in the league, I'm very happy with our form," said Lippiatt, who recalls Jamie Mitchell and Christian Irwin at home to Yate Town Reserves tomorrow.

Yate boss Paul Dempsey hopes Justin Cattle and Grant Brown will be available following recent first-team call-ups. Both sides will defend four-game unbeaten runs in the Evening Post Star Match clash.

Chipping Sodbury aim to follow up back-to-back draws against Rockleaze Avonside and King's Stanley with a full-strength squad at Ellwood.

Boss Carmelo Micciche hopes the 1-1 draw with Sodbury will spark a return to form that swept Rockleaze to the top before a series of setbacks.

He remains without midfielders Ian Burnell and Neil Simons for the home clash with Hanham, who have new signing James Laver in their squad.

Henbury have Eddie Howell and George Watts back for the trip to King's Stanley, while AXA will be without winger Mike Burnett at Brimscombe.