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Collier's men have to seal the deal

SUPERMARINE may be sitting comfortably in mid-table in the Southern League Premier Division, but one or two of their players may get a little hot under the collar in the coming weeks, writes GARETH MOORHOUSE.

Manager Mark Collier is already looking at renewing contracts for next season, after revealing he is not looking to add to his squad this campaign, and he admits several players have yet to securetheir long-term futures.

Ahead of tonight's derby with rivals Gloucester City, Collier has challenged the players with question marks above their heads to prove they deserve to be at Hunts Copse in 2008/9.

He said: "We're already looking at contracts for next season.

"For the guys that have done well this year we will be looking to sit down with them and discuss their futures sooner rather than later.

"There are still some who are borderline. But I don't see us signing anybody else this season, so they have a good chance to prove to me they should be here next year."

New boys Nick Stanley and Simon Heal will be out to impress tonight after both played a part in Marine's much-improved second half performance against Bashley on Monday.

Heal signed for the club several weeks ago, but a foot injury sustained away at Rugby has halted his progress, while striker Stanley was a late season addition from neighbours Cirencester.

Tonight's match takes place at the New Lawn, home of Forest Green, and Collier insists all the players are looking forward to the game.

He said: "One of the first things the players always ask me before every away game is what is the pitch like.

"We like to get the ball down and play football, and so do Gloucester, so it should be a decent game.

"We beat them 4-1 at our place and I'm sure their manager will have reminded them about that.

"Like Bashley, they are another team who still have one eye on the play-offs so they will be up for it.

"We started slowly on Monday and we can't afford to do that again if we want to be competitive.

"The second half was a much better performance though, and so we must take the positives from that and look to build on them. I still believe we need another win or two to be safe from relegation, so the sooner we get those few extra points the better."

Skipper Kyle Lapham and striker Nathan Lightbody are both suspended, while Richard Kear and Jason Welch are both injury doubts.

Chris Taylor faces a late fitness test.

9:38am Thursday 27th March 2008

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