EVESHAM United boss Paul Collicutt has swooped to sign two new players ahead of Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash with Tiverton Town at the Jubilee Stadium (3pm).

Winger Garyn Preen, 25, has joined the Robins on a month’s loan from National League South Hungerford Town.

And Collicutt has also bolstered his squad with the capture of Cheltenham-based British Army captain Ryan Paddock on a permanent deal.

Third-placed United are gearing up for their biggest game of the season in Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West when they host Tiverton, who are second.

A win would lift Evesham above their promotion rivals and a spot behind runaway leaders Hereford who they face at Edgar Street on January 2.

Evesham will be hoping to bounce back from the disappointment of last Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Taunton Town which shattered their dreams of a record-breaking 12th successive league win.

“After last weekend’s defeat, we decided we needed to strengthen the squad and we’ve brought in two new faces,” explained Collicutt.

Paddock, a former Bishop's Cleeve and Cinderford Town ace, can play in defence or midfield.

Preen, who can operate on the wing or as a striker, started his youth career at Cardiff City and later joined Burton Albion.

Preen, who hails from Abergavenny in South Wales, has also had stints at Salisbury City, Merthyr Town and Cinderford Town.

“It’s a massive game for both teams on Saturday,” admitted Collicutt.

“When we played Salisbury a few weeks ago, I told the players that was a huge game but this match is probably even bigger.

“Everyone in the league is talking about our game at Hereford in the new year but that will mean nothing if we don’t perform against Tiverton and in other games this month.”