ROYAL Wootton Bassett Town face another stern test this weekend as they travel to second-placed Thame United.

Manager Rich Hunter is looking for a reaction from his side after they were whacked 5-1 by Flackwell Heath last time out in the Premier Division, having had a squad of just 12 available.

Saturday is the latest game in what has been a tough run for Hunter’s troops, who have faced two of the top three in their last three games and travel to leaders Bracknell Town next weekend, but he is adamant his side could spring a surprise if they play to their potential.

“It’s another tough one, we have to be at our best to get anything from them and we know that,” he said.

“We had a good training session on Tuesday and we have a squad of 16 going to the game so at least we stand a better chance in terms of personnel.

“On our day I know we can get points no matter who it is in the league. We know they’re a good team, it is something to aspire to.

“The plan is to stay in the game as long as we possibly can. We will need to defend well and make sure that we are matching them.”

Hunter says his players are itching to make amends for last weekend’s heavy defeat to Flackwell.

“It was another poor result for us. We knew it would be tough to go there. They’re a good side, we had to be at our best and we weren’t.

“We got punished. Conceding two goals in the first seven minutes killed any chance of us getting into the game. Towards the end it was damage limitation, they were a good team and they deserved to win on the day.

“They want to redeem themselves because they know they are better than what they showed at Flackwell.

“We spoke about it at training. They knew it wasn’t good enough, it was embarrassing really and that isn’t how we should be.

“They see it as a challenge. They want to be out there playing the top teams in the league with the better players. They’re excited and there is no pressure on them and they have nothing to lose.”