IT will be a real test of motivational skills this afternoon as both Paul Burke and Chris Pethick look to inspire their players after embarrassing home defeats on Saturday.

Purton were crushed 5-0 at the Red House by Old Woodstock Town, while Bassett lost 4-1 to Cheltenham Saracens at Rylands Way, and both managers admit they have plenty to prove ahead of today's Wiltshire derby.

Purton won the corresponding fixture 2-1 in December, and boss Chris Pethick is hoping to land his opposite number in double trouble.

He said: "Saturday was a performance we best forget.

"We went a goal down after about 30 seconds and things went from bad to worse.

"Our goalkeeper actually had a very good game.

"If it wasn't for him the scoreline could have been much worse.

"But we have a derby to look forward to now and we're looking to do the double over Bassett. I think it's going to be a close game."

Burke meanwhile, is just as keen to put Saturday's result to bed, and says a win at Purton would be just the tonic for his lingering Division One West headache.

"The bottom two sides seem to be some way adrift so it doesn't look like we will go down," Burke said.

"But that doesn't mean we can stop playing. We want to stop Purton doing the double over us."

Bassett welcome back Sean Patel, Paul Crabtree and Lee Stoddart, while Purton should have Andy Philpott and sweeper Jonny Coole back.

Malmesbury Vics boss Ken Regan has demanded a response from his players following Saturday's dour 2-1 defeat away at Clanfield.

Bryan Halestrap's 90th-minute goal proved little more than a consolation for Vics, who never got to grips with the difficult conditions.

"There were a few choice words in the dressing room on Saturday and I am expecting a reaction," said Regan.

"Hopefully it will be the same result as the last time we played Letcombe.

"There's six games to go and I expect my players to give me everything they have in those six games."

Malmesbury will be without the suspended Pete Soane and Jif Wilkins.

Cricklade Town head into the derby with Cirencester United on the back of a 1-1 draw with Letcombe.

Ben Carter was on target for Graham Jackson's men, who will be looking to move into the top half of the table with victory at the Four Acres.