SHRIVENHAM player-manager Sam Collier has hailed the support of coach Luke Sharps as the Barrington Park side look to secure their first win in six matches.

Having taken charge following the tragic and untimely death of Dave Turner, Collier has continued to play for the club despite this being his first managerial role.

And the striker, who played in defence in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Wantage Town, says that Sharps has been ‘fantastic’.

“He’s like a breath of fresh air in training,” Collier said. “He makes my life a lot easier and is a massive support when I’m out on the pitch.

“I’m enjoying being in charge, it is a lot tougher than I expected, but the coaching staff and the players have been fantastic.”

However, Collier’s fledgling managerial career has yet to taste success and he knows that Saturday’s Hellenic League Premier Division trip to fourth-placed Ascot United is another tough test for his side.

“The big thing was to get our first point on Saturday against Wantage,” he said. “Obviously we were disappointed not to get all three.

“But we can take that positive to Ascot, because they are another team flying high.

“The commitment and understanding from the players is great and I just hope that we can get that first win.”

Despite the lack of wins for Shrivenham, who currently sit in 16th place and only four points above the bottom two, Collier says that he is unlikely to bring in any new faces for the time being.

The club still have French striker Patrick Niame on loan from Southern League Premier Division side Chippenham Town, while Dane Moulden is available again.

However, Nathan Blackman is a doubt for the trip to Ascot with a groin problem and defender Lee Bowen is unavailable.

Ascot come into this match having not tasting defeat in 2014, their last reverse coming against Wantage on December 14.

What will be even more worrying for Collier is that their Racecourse Ground hosts tomorrow romped to a 5-1 victory at Cheltenham Saracens last weekend.

Jeff Lamb’s side are nine points off leaders Ardley United having played one match less.

Meanwhile, Wootton Bassett Town are without a game this weekend.

Jeff Roberts’ side currently sit in 12th place having played 29 matches, but they could slip to 14th at the weekend if results elsewhere go against them.

Bassett are next in action a week on Saturday when they entertain Flackwell Heath.

Division One West side Fairford Town are also without a game tomorrow and like Bassett must wait until next weekend before they play again as they visit Shortwood United.