Western League Premier Division preview – Saturday, November 6

LISKEARD Athletic face an acid test of their play-off credentials tomorrow when they visit league leaders Clevedon Town.

The Blues head to Somerset having surprisingly lost to mid-table Wells City last Saturday, but are still fourth but have played more games (17) than any of those around them.

However, the Blues only recently beat second-placed Bridgwater United, and with plenty of attacking options could make it very tough for the Seasiders at The Hand Stadium.

Newquay are in fine form despite being held to a goalless draw by Cornish rivals Saltash United last Saturday, a result only possible by a superb penalty save from keeper Shaun Semmens. The fifth-placed Peppermints are on their travels to Wells who are seeking a second Cornish success in seven days.

St Blazey’s league progress has stalled somewhat by their FA Vase adventure.

However, just one defeat in 13 starts, eight of which they’ve won, means the Green and Blacks look a good bet to be in the top five come the season’s end. They welcome Sidmouth Town to Blaise Park, a team they were held to a goalless draw by back in September.

Saltash have struggled for points recently, but gaffer Lee Britchford took great encouragement from last weekend’s draw at Newquay and they welcome Buckland Athletic, the Devonians who are managed by former Ashes boss Matt Cusack.

Buckland are well-resourced and are right in the mix for the play-offs, sitting seventh, six points ahead of the Ashes who also have two games in-hand.

Torpoint Athletic can’t stop scoring at the moment as they followed up last weekend’s 4-2 success at Tavistock by putting eight past Launceston in midweek in the Cornwall Senior Cup in a few days Ryan Downing won’t forget as the dual-registered forward hit hat-tricks in both having come off the bench.

The Point have rocketed up to ninth in recent weeks and could end the day as high as seventh if both Buckland and Tavistock fail to win.

Fixtures (3pm): Bovey Tracey v Bridgwater United, Brixham v Brislington, Clevedon Town v Liskeard Athletic, Saltash United v Buckland Athletic, St Blazey v Sidmouth Town, Street v Portishead Town, Torpoint Athletic v Shepton Mallet, Wellington v Ivybridge Town, Wells City v Newquay.