Paulton Rovers could be without Rob Claridge and Ben Lacey for Saturday's trip to Bishops Cleeve after both went off injured in Monday's 1-0 loss at home to Mangotsfield United.

Last season's top scorer Matt Cooper is set to deputise, while Daine O'Connor should return from flu to add pace to the Rovers attack and Paulton boss Andrew Jones hopes that Cooper will pick up where he left off last year.

"Rob and Ben are doubtful but we've got Matt Cooper, who came off the bench on Monday and did well," said Jones.

"He was our top scorer last year and has been on the bench so far because he missed a lot of pre-season but this is a chance for him to prove how good he is."

Before Monday's loss to Mangotsfield, Rovers booked their place in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup with a comfortable 4-1 win at home to Larkhall Athletic.

Jones said that his side had not been at their best but was pleased to have done enough to progress, while he described Monday's defeat as a "typical local derby".

"We didn't really hit top form on Saturday but sometimes you only do what you need to do," he said.

"We defended quite well and didn't quite get our game going all the time, but I was happy with the win.

"On Monday it was a bitty, horrible game and was always going to be won by the odd goal.

"It wasn't a particularly entertaining game and was a typical local derby with plenty of effort but not much quality.

"Losing Rob Claridge and Ben Lacey to injury in the first half hindered us massively.

"It was one of those days – I had no real complaints with the players' efforts."

Jones hopes his side can bounce back on Saturday away to Bishops Cleeve, who have only scored two and conceded one from their opening three league games.

And on Tuesday, Rovers have a break from league action when they take part in a testimonial match for Rob Cousins, who played his 1,000th game in senior football while at Paulton last season.

"Bishops Cleeve on Saturday, will give us an opportunity to bounce back from Monday night and then we have Rob's testimonial," said Jones.

"Saturday will be a tight game so hopefully we can come out with a win.

"They've got Julian Alsop playing for them, who was at Cheltenham last year, so we'll need to contain him.

"We're looking forward to the testimonial on Tuesday and hope it will be a successful evening, Rob deserves it."

The first half of the match will see Paulton take on a strong Bristol City line-up, while after the break Cousins will lead a select XI of former team-mates against City, where he started his career.

Among those expected to turn out for Cousins' side are Terry Skiverton, Steve Perrin, Graham Roberts, David Mogg and Adie Mings.

Apart from Lacey and Claridge, the only other doubt for Paulton's trip to Bishops Cleeve on Saturday is Craig Loxton, who had a scan on an injured knee yesterday.

See pages 57-59 for more football.