SWINDON Supermarine keeper Kent Kauppinen is convinced his side can dent the confidence of visitors Paulton Rovers and take another step towards promotion back to the Southern Premier.

The game at the Webb’s Wood Stadium pits third-placed Marine against a side who have put together a storming run to sit one place outside the play-offs, following their victory over Merthyr Town at the weekend.

Kauppinen admitted Paulton would be confident of taking something from South Marston, but the keeper believes if his side can play at their best they will sap their visitors of confidence and pick up the points themselves.

“They are absolutely flying at the moment and have a lot of confidence, but we always know we are in with a great chance when we play at home because we are very strong in our home games,” he said.

“Of course they will be confident, but if we play how we have been playing then we will dent their confidence and give ourselves an amazing chance to win.

“We all know we have a chance of the play-offs, but there is also a chance of finishing second or maybe even first.”

With prolific strikers Josh Parsons and Ash Edenborough grabbing most of the headlines for Marine this season, Kauppinen was quick to praise the performances of the defenders in front of him.

“Our defence have been spot-on because it’s difficult to find players at this level, and any level, who are willing to fly in front of the ball and put their body on the line, which is something they do a lot of,” he said.

“They show commitment, and that boosts us and gives everyone a lot of confidence.”

Meanwhile, Fairford missed out on a place in the Hellenic League Floodlit Cup final after losing 2-1 at home to Ardley last night.

The Cinder Lane side took the lead, but were pegged back before a Henry Trass own-goal cost them a place in the final.