DAVE Webb his hopeful his most recent batch of Swindon Town loanees can make the difference as his Supermarine side look to cement their place in the play-offs.

Webb swooped to bring Matty Jones, Alex Ferguson and Curtis Da Costa to the Webb’s Wood Stadium on loan on Friday, with Jones and Ferguson making an immediate impact in Marine’s 3-1 victory at Cinderford on Saturday.

The trio are set to be involved in tonight’s visit to Shortwood and Webb is already impressed with what’s he’s seen.

“I can’t speak highly enough of all three of them, although Curtis wasn’t registered in time for Saturday the other two did really well.

“Matty had a hand in all three goals and Alex in midfield was tenacious and creative and showed that he is going to be a very good player.

“The good thing for us is that we have new players in at a time where we didn’t strengthen as much as we needed to last year. It’s a hard time of year and these players should really help us.

“The chance to take three highly talented young players from Swindon was a great option and they all have really good futures.

“The way why try and play will suit them down to the ground too so it’s good for everyone.”

Marine have a score to settle with Shortwood after they stole a 3-2 victory from South Marston last month, with victory vital if Webb and his players are to maintain their play-off push.

“I think in my tenure as manager here they are the only team we haven’t managed to beat yet,” he said.

“That’s credit to them because they are a good side and we’re keen to win the game. If we play like we have recently we will have a chance.

“When we played a couple of weeks ago we gifted them some chances but some of our football has been really good to watch in recent weeks. If we carry on like that we can carry on up the table which is what we want to do.

“We’ve given ourselves an opportunity now following a good run of results but we’re there to be shot at.”

Injured defender Kyle Lapham is closing in on a return to fitness but is unlikely to play a part this evening.

Elsewhere in the league, Cirencester host Godalming.

In Hellenic League Division One West, boss Paul Braithwaite admitted his side need to show a ruthless edge when they take on New College this evening.

The promotion chasers were held 1-1 at home by lowly Letcombe at the weekend, who have only won once all season, and Braithwaite is expecting better against the students.

“We have to make sure we work a bit harder than we worked at the weekend and be more ruthless in the way we play,” he said.

“We were maybe a bit too nice and we need to bring back the fear factor because College are a good side.

“I watched them play against Purton recently and I think the fitness told because Purton hadn’t played in a while and College were training most days.

“We’re fit too and as long as we apply ourselves correctly and everyone sings off the same song sheet then we will be there.

“I have always respected what they do there and they’re a good side but we have to concentrate and if we do we can win.”

Wootton Bassett take on Wantage in the Hellenic Premier.