Salisbury kick off the New Year with an enticing league clash against nearby Chippenham Town tomorrow.

Second in the league with games in hand on leaders Truro, tomorrow’s match will be the first the Whites have played since putting seven past Halesowen in mid-December. Darrell Clarke’s men will be raring to go as they look to close an eight point gap at the top. Were the Whites to win all three of their games in hand, they would find themselves leading the division.

The visitors have themselves seen little on the field action recently due to the freezing conditions. Chippenham’s last competitive outing came in a 0-0 draw away to Oxford City back on November 27th. Their last five league fixtures have been postponed, although they did play in a specially arranged friendly match at the end of December. The Bluebirds occupy 4th spot in the league and have only lost twice so far in the Zamaretto this season.

The match has all the makings of a Bank Holiday belter, with both sides hopeful of promotion and hungry to get back to their football after the weather-enforced absence. The two teams drew 1-1 early on in the season after a tempered and physical affair, and a good crowd is hoped for at the Ray Mac for this local derby. The Whites will be looking to maintain the superb home form that has seen them win eight and draw twice without defeat. City’s fantastic support also sees them boast the league’s highest attendance this season as 954 saw them face Leamington.

Thanks go to Monday’s match sponsor – Tim Bingham and his local company Tim Bingham Building Contractors Ltd. Tim has sponsored the Whites under-12 side for the last 5 years. His company have over over 30 years of building experience at an exceptionally high standard. More information can be found at www.timbingham.com or 01980 629 754. Enquiries can be emailed to tim_bingham@hotmail.com

We’d also like to say a big thank you to Monday’s mascots- Connor Dundon and George tanner from the Salisbury City under-9′s team.

Southampton defender Ryan Tafazolli could be inline to make his second debut for the club, having returned on a one-month loan deal.Cheltenham Town defender, Kyle Haynes, has also extended his loan deal and will stay in a White shirt until the end of January. Having shaken recent illness, Kyle should be in contention for tomorrow’s match.

Manager Darrell Clarke is expected to be without Jason Silver who is still battling with the groin strain that has seen him miss the White’s last few games. Jamie Turley is rated doubtful, while Kayne McLaggon is a possible doubt following the injury received in the closing moments of the Halesowen match.

Assistant Manager Mikey Harris is looking forward to tomorrow’s game and suggests the Whites are eager to take to the field.

“The boys were in on New Year’s Day and we’ve had another good training session today (Sunday) so we’re going into this one in good shape. The players are chomping at the bit ahead of this one and that’s great to see. It’s been frustrating not to play games but we’re looking to carry on where we left off and go into this on the  back of a good 7-1 win.”

Harris also spoke highly of new signing Tafazolli: “It’s great to have Taffers back and he’s an excellent acquisition. He’s a great player and knows the setup at the club so he’s slotted in nicely.”

Ahead of this crunch league fixture, Harris is looking forward to a good match day atmosphere. “We’ve had great support so far this season and long may that continue. It’s an important game on Monday as both sides are up there in the league, not to mention it’s a local derby! Please come and support the boys and lets get the Ray Mac rocking!”

Kick off is at 3pm. Radio Coverage is available on BBC Wiltshire.

Live updates will also be available on the Club’s Official Twitter page – now at 300 followers so a big thanks to all of you!