RAY Mac will play host to another promotion battle on Saturday as Sean Joyce’s Bideford visit Salisbury, writes Thom Belk.

The Robins have won the last three matches and currently sit third in the league, four points behind title favourites Taunton Town and three ahead of Salisbury .

The Devon side and Steve Claridge’s chargers played out an eight-goal thriller on their last visit in September 2016.

Ian Sampson’s 96th minute long range effort levelled the game at 4-4, after Salisbury had battled back from 3-1 down.

Claridge is hoping to bring in some fresh blood ahead of Saturday match, with a number of options currently being explored.

“We’ll prepare for the match exactly the same way we always do, I don’t think anyone can really know the way we’ve been this year. We’ve played very well at times.”

“We’ve dominated a majority of the games, I hasten to add, we’ve had absolutely no luck, everything that could have gone against us has done. Look at Saturday’s game, this misfired shot falls straight to their player.”

Claridge added: “We’ve had a few players that have to us and not really done what we’ve asked and have had to leave. No matter what we say, the loss of last years boys was always going to be difficult.”

“You take 90-odd goals out of any team, its very difficult to replace, the knock backs we’ve had, you wouldn’t believe. It isn’t for a lack of trying, I’m out most nights a week watching games and trying to get people in.”

“For Jake Wannell its going to be too soon, Sam Roberts and Kane O’Keefe will be assessed before the game, hopefully will both feature.”

On Tuesday, Salisbury have another league game as they entertain Kidlington.