COULD the withdrawal of Clyst Rovers in the Premier Division signal the start of better times for Teignmouth in Division One (East) of the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League?

The prospect has not escaped player-manager Geoff Breslan as his Coombe Valley side, 4-0 winners against Axminster last week, prepare for tomorrow's South area local derby at home to Galmpton United Gents.

Breslan has made two crucial signings from Waterslade Park since Clyst pulled out a week ago today for what is understood to be financial related reasons.

And both goalkeeper Nicky Moyse and centre-half Scott Baxter go straight into the squad tomorrow, with Moyse almost certain to start so as to give Darren Shrubb more time to shake off a hand injury.

It's likely to be the only change as Baxter awaits his Teignmouth debut from the substitutes bench, but Breslan says the fresh injection of players has stiffened his resolve to finish in the top four.

"We've a tough programme ahead, including 10 (mostly re-arranged) games in April, but I can sense the squad is now strong enough to deal with it," said the former Exeter City midfielder.

"Moyse was with us before he joined Clyst, so needs no introduction to the other players, while Baxter is one of our youth team players even though he was playing senior football with Clyst.

"He's no relation to the other Baxter (Simon) in our side, but is another who's familiar with the way we like to play at Coombe Valley."

The fixture has been reversed at Galmpton's request, with Teignmouth now travelling to the Memorial Playing Fields on Tuesday, May 2.

"It was no problem since Galmpton agreed to a postponement earlier in the season when Muse were playing a concert in Teignmouth," said Breslan.

Galmpton, meanwhile, have had a traumatic few days apart from surrendering second place in the table as the result of last Saturday's 2-1 defeat at home to Exmouth Town.

Reports point to manager Adam Kerswell being ordered to slash his budget, though there have been no departures, only reaffirmation from the players that they'll stick with the club.

Indeed, central defender Steve Reece is the only absentee from last week's starting line-up, while midfielders Jason Heath and John Dunn and forward Ashley Hoare have been added to the squad.

Phil Tully is expected to take over from Reece having substituted for him against Exmouth, but there will be no wholesale changes.

"We came up short against Exmouth, but there were no grumbles from me," said Kerswell.

"I couldn't fault the players in their approach and endeavour and it took a wonder goal to beat them.

"Teignmouth won't be any less difficult. I expected them to be higher up the table with the players they have, so we'll need the same work-rate and commitment as last week."

STOKE GABRIEL have also seized on Clyst Rovers' withdrawal from the league, signing midfielders Gareth Davies (formerly Dartmouth AFC) and Richard Gomm (a former Torquay United YT) and one time Dawlish Town striker Matt Micklewright from Waterslade Park.

Micklewright is unavailable, but Davies and Gomm (he was a substitute last week) are named in the squad for the game at Budleigh Salterton as joint managers Jason Couch and Pete Gartrell look to pick up the threads from last week's 1-1 draw at home to Appledore.

"We perhaps lacked a bit of confidence, but we had no complaints with the way the team played for the last 50 to 60 minutes," said Couch, adding:

"Appledore looked good, and it was no surprise that they subsequently beat Exmouth in midweek to go through to face the Royal Marines in the final of the Devon Premier Cup.

"They played a high pressure game in closing us down, plus they looked after the ball well. Rather than knock them, both Pete (Gartrell) and I felt our players were to be congratulated for not losing.

"The Marines are now in the box seat as far as the title is concerned. However, we're still top of the table with a lot to play for, so it's up to the Marines to chip away if they want to finish ahead of us."

SECOND-PLACED Liverton United head for defending champions Exeter Civil Service with centre-half Rob Farkins and midfielders Dan Harrity and Ian Davieson all back in credit after serving suspensions.

They also have defender Kevin Dadd set to make his debut having been signed a fortnight ago from Clyst Rovers , though joint managers Alan Hext and Tony Bowker must face a difficult match without leading goalscorer Stuart Bowker (suspended) and fellow striker Stefan Chubb (back at university).

"We signed Dadd before anything came out about the Clyst Rovers situation," said Bowker.

"He was with Alan (Hext) and myself at Newton Abbot, and is a terrific signing going into the last third of the season.

Liverton slipped into second spot almost unnoticed following last week's 2-0 win at Bickleigh.

"No-one's mentioned us, which is the way we would prefer it," said Bowker after Liverton closed the gap on leaders Stoke Gabriel to four points with a game in hand.

TOTNES and Dartington SC report no injuries or suspensions going into their game at home to basement side Bickleigh.

Which isn't surprising since manager John Gayle's side missed out again last weekend when scheduled opponents, Royal Marines, were involved in a Devon Premier Cup semi-final.

"It means averaging two games a week for the remainder of the season to complete our fixtures, but we'll be ready," said Gayle.

The former Torquay United striker has targeted a top three finish, starting from tomorrow when T & D have the chance of completing the double having beaten Bickleigh 3-1 away from home earlier in the season.

"Them being bottom means nothing to me," said Gayle.

"Bickleigh forced a goal-less draw with Galmpton the other week, so can't be mugs, but everyone in our squad is up to scratch, plus we're at home."

NEWTON Abbot Spurs manager Chris Breslan is scratching around for a side as he prepares to take a team to Exmouth Town.

He's called up defender Aaron Small from the Reserves and promoted fit again Shaun Woodward after two comeback games in the 3rds, but they barely cover the cracks as Steve Mardell, Adam Dyson and assistant player-manager Duncan Smillie all drop out from last Saturday.

Midfielder Ashley Webber is also doubtful through injury following the 4-1 defeat at Budleigh Salterton, while Spurs have also lost utility player Richard Bentley for the remainder of the season after he flew back to America in midweek.

It's not the first time Breslan has looked down a barrel in terms of selection, but there are easier sides than Exmouth to visit with such a shortage to choose from.

"They're a side who've come up together through the youth ranks and play that way with a lot of cohesion," warned Breslan.

OTHER Division One (East) fixtures tomorrow are Appledore at home to Okehampton Argyle, Ottery St Mary (Crediton United) and University of Exeter (Axminster Town).