Lads waiting for Rovers in Hereford

Tuffley Rovers will make the trip to face Hereford Lads Club in the Uhlsport Hellenic League on Saturday afternoon, hoping for an improvement in their fortunes at their hosts’ ground, after losing their previous two league fixtures there, including a catastrophic 9-1 defeat when Rich Cox was at the helm in 2021/22.

Manager Neil Mustoe will miss the game, due to a personal commitment, but will be hoping his side can at least continue their unbeaten start to the season, after draws away Worcester City and then at home to Aylesbury Vale Dynamos.

Whilst Mustoe is absent, Assistant Manager Liam O’Neill will take charge and he has a strong squad to select from, even with the absence of Sam Hill, Alex Barrett, Jack McCormack and Liam Smith, who are all unavailable. Long-term absentee Kieran Alder is still not fit but it is hoped that he may be able to return to action in the near future.

Keeper Luke Merchant has returned to the squad after missing the FA Cup tie last weekend as he was attending a wedding.

Mustoe managed to add two players to his squad before going away, with the signing of Nathan Payne on dual registration from Malvern Town, and Matt Holdaway, a versatile defensive player who played for Mustoe at Gloucester City U18s.

There has been one departure this week, with Elliot Jones transferring to Lydney Town. Ryley Mace also looks set to leave, with Shortwood United his likely destination.