EVESHAM United manager Dave Busst is looking for an early Christmas present from his players on Saturday - in the shape of three points, writes Mervyn Collins.

Victory against Marlow will keep the Robins on top of the table ahead of a busy festive period of three games in eight days after which the Common Road club's promotion ambitions could be a little clearer.

"Saturday's a big game for us and one that we must win," said Busst. "I was disappointed last weekend and gave the players a roasting after the game but, 24 hours later, I had taken stock and other results and Bedworth's solid display put the result a little more in perspective."

Shopping list

The Common Road chief admitted that a "proven striker" was at the top of his Xmas shopping list but it was doubtful if the right player would become available in time to improve on his side's recent lack of firepower.

Busst did make a move for Bromsgrove's Arthur Appleton but the winger decided to make the switch to Redditch United.

Rovers also had Lee Knight in their sights a couple of weeks ago but, after putting seven days in for the skipper, they failed to follow up the approach.

"Knighty's decided to stay and it's nothing to do with money," Busst admitted. "Bromsgrove were quoted as saying that we had upped his pay to £140 a week but that's nonsense. He's n the same money he was when he arrived here 12 months ago and we've not upped his wages since Bromsgrove made their approach.

"I'm annoyed about the way Bromsgrove have gone about their business. When money starts being banded around then other players can become unsettled but that certainly isn't the case on this occasion."

Busst will be hoping his captain can keep out of trouble with referees during the next couple of weeks as last Saturday's caution was his eighth of the season and two more will lead to a two-match ban.

Steve Duncan and Danny Williams are again suspended on Saturday but the former will be back to face his old club Studley in Tuesday night's Worcestershire Senior Cup tie.

The winners will be at home to Bromsgrove in the semi-finals - a game to be played on or before Wednesday, February 16, 2005.

The other semi-final tie sees Redditch United entertain either Kidderminster Harriers or Halesowen Town.

Simeon Williams should be fit to stake a clam for a starting berth this weekend alongside recent recruit Aaron Farrell but it's Marlow striker Yashwa Romeo who Evesham will need to keep an eye on.

Romeo is the top scorer in Division One West with 13 goals, three more than Jermaine Clarke, and scored twice when the two sides met in August.

On that occasion, United hit back from 3-1 down to force a 3-3 draw with substitute Lee Ross, who announced his retirement last week, netting a last minute equaliser.

Saturday's match is being sponsored by G R Hughes, Glass and Glazing Merchants of Evesham and the ball by Ken Tallis of Bishampton.