WITH his team reinvigorated and raring to go, Dave Webb is hoping Swindon Supermarine are ready for a shoot-out with free-scoring Winchester City on Saturday.

With a bye through the preliminary round of the FA Trophy last weekend, Webb’s charges were able to take some time out to enjoy some team bonding but the Marine boss is no doubt that they will need to be on their mettle when Winchester visit the Webb’s Wood Stadium.

Despite playing just eight league games to date, the Hampshire outfit are the Evo-Stik League South and West’s biggest scorers and are inspired by the show-stopping form of hotshot Warren Bentley, who has hit 25 goals already this season.

Bentley bagged a brace as Winchester thrashed Marine 4-0 in the FA Cup last month but Webb believes Saturday’s clash could be just the kind of challenge his team need.

“We’ve played a lot of football in August and September and October is a big month. You couldn’t ask for a harder game to start it but it might be the right game for us after a break,” said the Marine manager.

“The players had the chance to have a team night out last Saturday, which is important for a team at any level because it’s a long old season. We’re ready to get back playing football now.

“Winchester are about a lot more than Warren Bentley because they need to supply him. He’s had interest from clubs at higher levels and turned it down, so he’s committed to them.

“I did think that the scoreline flattered them in the FA Cup and it’s up to us to take our opportunities when they come on Saturday to get a good result, just like they did in that game.

“We need to try and match their firepower and put on a good display for our fans because we’ve had a good start to the season and we want to carry that on.”

Marine will be without suspended striker Ashley Edenborough following his red card against North Leigh on September 19 whilst Joe Shepherd is still ruled out with a hamstring injury.