SWINDON Supermarine head into their FA Trophy clash with Hartley Wintney buoyed by a much-needed home victory.

The South Marston side will continue to prioritise their bid for promotion from Southern League West but Saturday’s Trophy clash at the Webbswood Stadium is a welcome distraction.

An industrious 1-0 win over AFC Totton on Tuesday night came after back-to-back defeats in the league.

Marine also have the welcome prospect of Josh Parsons making a return from a knee injury, with the top scorer due to take part in training on Thursday.

Wintney, who are third in the Southern League East table and tied on points with second-placed Cambridge City, pose a tough obstacle to progress.

The Hampshire outfit will be looking to revive their own fortunes after two defeats, including a 6-1 trouncing by Hayes and Yeading United on Tuesday.

Marine boss Dave Webb is looking forward to the cup encounter but the league table remains the most important marker.

He said: “It’s important. It’s a big competition and we want to try and progress as far as we can in it.

“We want to go as far as we can and win as many games as we can. But the league’s our priority and it’s important to get back to winning ways.”

With captain Zak Westlake making his return on Tuesday and Parsons due to attend training last night, Webb now has a strong squad from which to pick his starting XI against Hartley Witney on Saturday.

He said: “Connor Thompson played in a position I’ve not played him in before on Tuesday. I thought he was excellent, alongside George Kellow, he did really, really well, so it gives me plenty of food for thought for this weekend’s game.

“We’ve got some players out injured who are getting back to fitness so it will make the group stronger.

“It’s just positives after Totton. I’m really, really pleased.”

With Westlake having returned on Tuesday and Parsons coming into consideration, Webb’s injury concerns are now down to three players.

John Else (concussion) is expected to be out for another two weeks, while Ash Taylor’s recovery from a foot injury could stretch to months.

Striker Aaron Woodley has also been sidelined with a hamstring issue, but the manager has been pleased by the group’s progress.