PETER Russell says Warminster Town must learn to mix it with the big boys to keep their heads above water in the Wessex League Division One.

The Weymouth Street boss saw his side out-muscled by neighbours Laverstock and Ford in a 2-0 derby defeat at The Dell.

Russell concedes his players cannot rely on their effort alone to get them through every match.

He said: "When we come up against the big sides we have to play to our own strengths, which is to use the pace we have out wide and get early crosses into the box.

"But we also have to stand up to the bigger teams. It's not easy because we are such a small side."

  • Full report and reaction in Friday's Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News.