WILL Croker has backed Bournemouth to defeat the standings leaders for the third time this season when they host Lydney tomorrow (2pm).

The head coach has seen Lions get the better of previous National Three South West table-toppers Barnstaple and Brixham at Chapel Gate this term.

And Croker believes Bournemouth have another big performance in their locker.

He told the Daily Echo: "We've been very successful against teams that have come to us as leaders – we did a very good job on Barnstaple and Brixham.

"I don't think there is any reason why we shouldn't do the same to Lydney this weekend.

"We played them in the third game of the season and we were desperately out of sorts in the first half but eventually should have won at a canter.

"We have no fear going into Saturday. We believe we can beat any team we come up against and certainly at home, that's more the case than ever."

Alan Manning has returned to full training following a serious Achilles injury and should be back in mid-February, while Matt Warwick hopes to return from a broken arm at the beginning of March.

Joe Rees and Alex Sutherland are still sidelined, while Ollie Yates is concussed.

Lions: (from) Tarrant, Fraser, Firetto, Peart, Christopher, Moreton, Hennings, Allman, Hardcastle, Chislett, Roberts, Chandler, Hancox, Everett-Bolter, Veneroso, Hughes, Treloar, Gwyther.