RELEGATION strugglers Salisbury have put the "not for sale" signs up on Southampton-based full-back Tyronne Bowers - at least for the time being.
Basingstoke Town went back with an improved offer for the busy, little wing-back earlier this week, but Whites assistant boss Tommy Killick said: "We're looking to build a side and Tyronne's one of our best players. We wouldn't want to lose him unless it meant we could improve the side elsewhere. "
Although Whites were prepared to let the 22-year-old Merry Oak lad go last month, it was as part of a cash/player exchange deal which would have taken striker Tim Sills to the Raymond McEnhill Stadium. A cash-only arrangement does not appeal in the same way.
"Money in the bank's no good to us right now," said Killick. "Last month we needed a striker and reluctantly we would have been prepared to sacrifice Tyronne if it had meant strengthening another position, but we won't sacrifice him otherwise."
Bowers and midfielder Wayne Turk return from one-match suspensions at Hinckley United tomorrow as the rock-bottom Whites bid to improve on an appalling record of just two from a possible 30 away points in the Dr Martens Premier Division.
They will again be without Martin Shepherd, who is unavailable until at least the New Year due to work commitments in Norwich, but Southampton-based marksman Paul Sales should finally return to the frame after long-term groin trouble.
"Realistically I don't think Paul will start the game, but just having his name on the team sheet will be a boost to the other players," said Killick.
Two weeks of cup distractions have halted Newport's Premier Division revival and manager Tony Mount admits his team are "desperate" for a win against Cambridge City at St George's Park.
Last Saturday was blank because of Hinckley's FA Cup involvement and the week before they badly under-performed in a 1-0 FA Trophy exit at Carshalton.
The Islanders remain second to bottom and Mount said: "It was a kick in the teeth that Hinckley, of all teams, were still involved in the FA Cup last week. We badly needed to come bouncing back after Carshalton."
Port's one consolation is that their injured contingent have had an extra week's recovery time. Ian Buckman and Leigh Cole should return, while Gary Green and Steve Leigh are rated 50-50.
Havant & Waterlooville expect to unveil a new defensive signing with Football League experience for tomorrow's Premier Division title showdown against Tamworth at Westleigh Park.
The new addition would step straight in for ex-Chelsea and Sunderland centre-back Gareth Hall, who completes a two-match suspension.
Tamworth are sitting fourth in the league, a place behind H&W and Hawks co-boss Mick Jenkins said: "Tomorrow's a massive game for both clubs. We know they're a good side, but then so are we."
Hawks hope to attract a big crowd, particularly as Portsmouth are not playing and Fratton Park legend Alan Knight will be making his home debut in goal provided he shrugs off a hamstring twinge.
Basingstoke Town, home to Ryman Premier strugglers Hitchin, hope to have a new loan striker on board. Paul Wilkinson should recover from flu and new midfield signing Sam Keevil is back available.
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