WESSEX LEAGUE

Laverstock and Ford 2, Warminster Town 0

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

The Weymouth Street boss saw his side out-muscled by neighbours Laverstock and Ford in Saturday's 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 - I don't think Louis Sparey weighs nine stone wringing wet."

Warminster waited until they were two goals down before moving out of first gear on Saturday.

The visitors were already behind when veteran full-back Kevin Sparey mis-timed a challenge in the box to concede a penalty.

Sparey later apologised to his team-mates after being dispossessed when he should have cleared.

Tom Welch curled an excellent pass across the six-yard box minutes later, but there were no Warminster players to support the attack.

Russell threw on Tom Malcolm in the closing stages in the hope the striker would repeat his heroics of last week, but the Laverstock defence held firm.

"I thought we had our best chances after going 2-0 down," said Russell.

"We got some good balls into the area but nobody was there to finish them. If you don't take your chances in this league sides will punish you."

Warminster host Wiltshire League outfit Westside in the Wilts Senior Cup tomorrow and Russell is hoping for a reaction.

"They turned us over at their place in the league last year, but I think we beat them at home.

"We got to the semi-final of this competition in 2005/6 when we lost to Corsham Town. Hopefully we can have another good run."

Defender Ashley Wain remains an injury doubt with a pulled hamstring, while Greg Lewis is still on honeymoon in Mexico.

Of more concern for Russell is the fitness of inspirational goalkeeper Justin Shuttlewood, who is suffering from knee trouble.

"Justin is a major part of our side and he'll be a big loss if he's not fit," said Russell. "Fingers crossed he will make it."