SHRIVENHAM manager Michael McNally hopes that his players are primed and ready to get their teeth stuck into a slice of local derby action this weekend.

In-form Shrivvy, who are unbeaten in five matches in all competitions, a run which has seen them keep three clean sheets, take on Justin Miller’s Purton at Barrington Park on Saturday.

McNally’s men are two places and five points ahead of Purton, who were last in action when they took on Royal Wootton Bassett Town in the Wiltshire Senior Cup on October 12, and although considering his team slight favourites, the Shrivvy chief knows anything can happen when two near neighbours lock horns.

“Our form has been quite good recently. We’ve kept quite a few clean sheets, which you can do when you keep the same back four or back five and get a bit of cohesion,” said McNally.

“But form goes out of the window in a local derby.

“I don’t know too much about Purton’s players but our lads will know them all and I’m sure it’ll be a bit of a battle because they’ve picked up a bit recently.

“I love local derbies. I did when I was a player because they’re exciting to play in.

“There’ll be no hiding places out there and hopefully the lads are up for it.”

Defenders Craig Bowden and Andrew Bilko are unavailable for Saturday’s derby alongside midfielder Chris Rivers.

Meanwhile, striker Levi Cox is also a doubt as he continues to struggle with an ankle problem.

Elsewhere in the Hellenic League Division One West, 13th-placed New College, who drew 0-0 at basement boys Tytherington Rocks last weekend, are without a game this Saturday.

They aren’t due back in action until they go to Eastington Sports on Saturday, November 5.

In the Premier Division, Bassett are looking to return to winning ways when they visit Ardley United this weekend.

Rich Hunter’s side have endured two arduous outings at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, losing 3-0 to league leaders Thatcham Town on Wednesday night to follow up a 6-0 shellacking at the hands of Bracknell Town.