Blakemore upbeat about league

Upbeat Charlie Blakemore believes Chasetown's exit from the FA Cup will help their league form as they host Malvern Town.

The Scholars' Cup interested was ended with a late 2-0 defeat at Evesham on Saturday but manager Blakemore feels it will give them the opportunity to concentrate on their British Gas Midlands Division One campaign.

He said: "It will be good to be out of the limelight in terms of being in the Cup and it will give us time to focus on the league. The resolve of the lads is excellent, the atmosphere is great and we are now focused on getting three points off Malvern."

Ben Steane will have a scan on an abdominal injury and, if he needs an operation, will be out for six to eight weeks. Dave Woodvine and Richard Bachelor are still injured and definitely miss the clash at the Scholars Ground.

Blakemore said: "Malvern are in the bottom two or three but it is not going to be easy. At any time you have to be on your guard in this league. We have to get at them nice and early and the lads are really looking forward to getting back playing."