THE week’s big news in the Western League Premier Division is that Nailsea and Tickenham have resigned their place in the league, meaning St Austell are back to zero points before their trip to Brislington.

The Lillywhites’ only victory of the season was a 2-1 success over the Somerset side back in October, however Nailsea’s departure means they are within five points of Oldland Abbotonians who have lost four points having already played Nailsea twice.

And with just one side now set to go down, it’s game on.

However, St Austell need to find a way to stop conceding goals having let in 11 in the last few days.

They were thrashed 7-0 by a much-strengthened Bridgwater United side last Saturday, but what would have been of more concern to boss Adam Castlehouse was the 4-2 reversal by the bottom side in the South West Peninsula League Premier West – Dobwalls – on Wednesday night.

Despite taking a first minute lead through Bailey Bellis, the visitors led 3-1 at half-time.

George Davey pulled one back with 17 minutes to play, but a late goal from Cameron Copp meant it was the Dingos who progressed to the last eight.

Newquay are timing a superb run of form as they seek to reach the play-offs in their inaugural Western League season, and know victory over visiting Wellington will see them end the day seventh.

With Barnstaple Town, who they welcome in the Les Phillips Cup on Tuesday night in FA Vase action, the Peppermints could jump up a place and to within three points of Buckland Athletic who they also have a game in-hand on.

But to do so they will have to get past a Wellington side who thrashed St Blazey 5-2 last week and have only played 14 times, the joint least in the division.

However, Newquay’s current run of form which has seen them win six of their last eight league outings and draw the other two, means they will start as firm favourites.

They haven’t played at home either since October 8, so a large crowd is expected.

East Cornwall outfits Torpoint Athletic and Saltash United are second and third respectively but have the weekend off due to Vase fixtures, while St Blazey, who saw off Launceston 3-1 in midweek to reach the Cornwall Senior Cup quarter-finals, are at home to Bridgwater United.

Bridgwater won 7-0 at St Austell last week, but are set to face a far sterner test at Blaise Park against a home side who hadn’t lost in five league games before their trip to Somerset.

Fixtures (3pm): Bradford Town v Sidmouth Town, Brislington v St Austell, Newquay v Wellington, Oldland Abbotonians v Clevedon Town, St Blazey v Bridgwater United.