THERE could be a familiar face back in Evesham's new year line-up but there won't be one in Stourport's on Saturday, writes Mervyn Collins.

Wesley Joyce was back at Common Road last weekend and he could force himself into the reckoning for the double-header start to 2004 providing details of his disciplinary problems have been cleared up!

United visit Swindon Supermarine this afternoon looking to string together successive league wins for the first time this season before welcome Stourport on Saturday for whom Nathan Jukes was due to make his debut today.

However, Dave Busst's decision to release his skipper and allow him to join Swifts saw the Evesham manager put in a clause to prevent the midfielder playing against the Robins this weekend.

Busst was highly delighted with the three points gained at Cinderford's expense and he is now hoping that his new-look side can string together a decent run of results.

"We played well for 45 minutes and should really have had the game sewn up," the Evesham boss reflected. "But we didn't have too many alarms at the back although I was concerned with the amount of balls they were able to get into the penalty area.

"Craig (Pountney) again showed his pedigree in front of goal, while Lee (Ross) did well. They are not fully fit yet but they looked good together especially in the first half and things at last seem to be taking shape."

The manager also expressed himself happy with the home debuts of Lee Knight and Steven Hands, while also revealing the latest twist in Joyce's selection puzzle.

"Wes phoned me on Boxing Day expressing a wish to play again," Busst recalled. "I asked him to come down last Saturday but I couldn't play him because I wasn't sure of his position regarding suspension.

"When that is cleared up I will have a look at the situation but I treat each player how they treat me and Wes did a great job for me at Clevedon and I am willing to give him another chance despite what has happened off the field.

Busst's predecessor, meanwhile, had no complaints about last Saturday's result.

Evesham battered us for 35 minutes and I had a lot to say at half-time, Mullen recalled. "We did a lot better after the break but never really threatened despite the number of balls we managed to get into their penalty area. We've now got two tough games and it's going to be a struggle to get out of the relegation area."

Saturday's match against Stourport that will see Jay Powell make a swift return to Common Road is being sponsored by Netherlands Bacon, Park Road, Sittingbourne. The ball is being sponsored by Paul Betts from Banbury.