WESTON manager Craig Laird has told Bath City they have failed to unsettle striker Chaz Hemmings after making an approach for the forward ahead of tonight’s match.

The Twerton Park outfit last week gave a seven day notice of approach to the Seagulls for the striker.

However with that period elapsing today (Tues), no deal has been struck with Hemmings.

With the two clubs meeting tonight at the Woodspring Stadium (kick-off 7.45pm), Laird has told Bath City that Hemmings will play.

He said: “If the intention was to unsettle player or the club, then it has had the opposite effect and only served to bring us closer together.

“If anything, I would think it would have a more detrimental effect on Bath than on us.

“If I was a forward player at Bath I would be asking questions as to why we need to sign another player in that position.”

Although tonight’s game sees Weston face the nearest Skrill South club, Laird dispelled claims Bath City was a derby match, saying that title should be reserved for clashes with Clevedon Town.

The Scot said: “Bath may be the nearest team to us in terms of mileage in our league but I have seen suggestions in certain places that it is a derby which is certainly not the case.

“Our derby has and always will be against the team that play in the village of Kenn as any of our real supporters will tell you.

“Don’t get me wrong this game is important for both sides and both need a win but it is three points at stake and that is it. If anything the weight of expectation will be on Bath which will suit us.”

Bath occupy the final play-off spot but a win for Weston tonight would see them join the visitors on 42 points.