DAVE Webb is hoping that his threadbare Swindon Supermarine side will be more than a match for Mangotsfield United.

Marine, who were given a few days off after last weekend’s success at Tiverton, returned to training last night but will be without influential Joe Shepherd for tomorrow’s game at the Webbswood Stadium.

The defender saw his red card appeal rejected this week, following his dismissal during Marine’s 2-0 win over Slimbridge, and will miss the next three games.

Meanwhile, Webb will be sweating on the fitness of defender Ash Taylor, who was forced off during last weekend’s win away to Tiverton with a tight hamstring, and hopes a depleted side will be able to hold their own in what will be an important game.

“We appealed it based on video evidence and some correspondence from Slimbridge, credit to them, but unfortunately inconclusive was the verdict,” explained Webb, who could have Ryan Campbell back from his ankle injury.

“He’s got a three-game ban now which is tough for him and tough for us, with a small squad.

“Ash is a big player for us and we don’t want to lose him for four to six weeks, we don’t need that, especially with the run we’ve got coming.

“We’ve only got 17 players anyway but it was good enough last weekend and there is no reason why it can’t be good enough this weekend.”

Marine are currently in the midst of a seven-game run where they face six of the top seven sides in Southern League Division One South & West.

Webb’s side lie fourth and he hopes that they can put some distance between themselves and seventh-placed Mangotsfield in the play-off race with victory tomorrow.

“We know the quality of the teams that we are playing in the next six games,” added Webb.

“We know this Saturday will be difficult but we’re at home and we’ve got to try and approach that in the same way as we did last weekend and try and win the game.

“We don’t go into a game trying to get a point, we always go in trying to win the game and I think that philosophy has done us well.”