Jenkins is back to boost Collier

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Tuesday 31st Jan 2006.

MARK Collier has hailed the return of Steve Jenkins as a massive boost ahead of his Supermarine side's trip to Burnham tonight.

The influential midfielder missed Saturday's dismal 2-0 defeat at home to Marlow through suspension but comes straight back into contention as Marine look to put their promotion bid back on track.

Three defeats in the last four Southern League Division One games have seen Marine plummet from second position to outside the play-off zone but, with games in hand over all their rivals, Collier knows their fate is still firmly in their own hands.

In his second season at Hunts Copse, Jenkins has been enjoying a impressive run of form in the holding central midfield role and Collier admits his absence was a key factor in Saturday's display.

He said: "Steve has been in the form of his life over the last month or so. He has chipped in with a couple of goals and has been a key player for us.

"It was a blow not to have him at the weekend but now he has got his five bookings out of the way hopefully he can look forward to another run in the side.

"I had hoped the other players would fill in for him on Saturday but they failed to do so. It was a terrible display and we need to put it right sooner than later."

Collier revealed he has enquired about the possibility of loaning a couple of Swindon Town youngsters, but any move is unlikely to be sealed by tonight.

He said: "I am still looking at players and am currently talking to Iffy about the possiblity of loaning some youngsters.

"I don't care what sort of win we get tonight as long as we win. There is no panic here as we are still in a good position but we know we have to improve."

Ian Howell (back) and Roger Emms (groin) are unavailable but Nathan Edwards, Jenkins and Jeremy Newton all return to the squad.

Cirencester Town boss Brian Hughes will make a few changes tonight for his side's re-arranged League Cup tie at Salisbury City.

Last Tuesday's tie was abandoned in the fifth minute of extra-time due to a frozen pitch, with Salisbury leading 3-2, but Hughes admits tonight's tie is the last thing his relegation-haunted side need.

He said: "We have 15 massive league games left and they are our priority. I will leave a few players at home tonight but we are still looking to win it."

Fairford travel to North Leigh in the Hellenic League Premier Division with Devizes entertaining Calne in the Toolstation League Premier Division.

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