JEFF Roberts is hoping that Friday night’s derby clash with Calne Town will be the match that kicks his Corsham Town troops back into gear.

The Toolstation League First Division table-toppers progressed to the second round of the Wiltshire Senior Cup last weekend with a 1-0 win over Purton but manager Roberts was once again left unimpressed by his team’s display.

Purton had the better of the chances throughout but with extra-time looming, visiting defender Paul Carson mishit a bouncing ball, allowing striker George Pawley to steal in and slot home the winner.

Corsham also rested a handful of players ahead of Friday’s league clash with Calne at the Southbank (kick-off 7.45pm) and Roberts is hoping to stumble upon the catalyst that will rejuvenate his team sooner rather than later.

“We’ve not been playing very well and we’ve scraped through games and I think it’s only a matter of time until we will shine, hopefully in the local derby,” said the Corsham chief.

“It should be a big bumper crowd. There will be some changes because like we said in the changing room on Saturday, we’re not happy about it. There are too many egos in there at the moment.

“In spits and spats, we were okay, but over 90 minutes, I thought we were poor again. I personally thought Purton looked a better side than us.

“We left out Levi Cox out, even though he’s scored most of the goals for us. We thought we’d give him a rest and we were saying to a few of them: ‘some of you need a rest. Have a break and have a look from the dugout so you can see what we’re seeing’.

“Players are going to get upset but Friday’s a big game for us.

“We are riding our luck and sometimes you get that in football – when you’re at the top, you have the luck with you and when you’re at the bottom, you don’t get it.”

Corsham are hoping to welcome back goalkeeper Mark Billingsley whilst defender Leigh Rogers could make his debut after signing from Melksham Town.