Liskeard Athletic manager Darren Edwards has not had to wait long to taste the passion of a derby against the Blues' rivals from further up the A38.

Saltash United travel the relatively short distance to Lux Park on Bank Holiday Monday (December 27) for the traditional 3.00 pm start which is sure to draw the Blues' best crowd of the season.

Edwards has only been in charge at Liskeard for three games but because of the weather it has been six weeks since he agreed to replace Joe Davey.

'Saltash are a good side and we will have to be at our best against them, but one thing's for sure, the lads will not require me to fire them up for this one.

'The way we have been playing of late gives me, and the lads, the confidence to go into the game knowing they are capable of beating Saltash.'

Winger Richard Maddison has completed his suspension and returns to the squad which also has midfielder Steve Murphy returning from holiday.

Unfortunately, the weather has meant that central defender Stuart Berry has sat out the last six weeks serving only two of his three-match ban.

Edwards is also thankful for the co-operation of Parkway joint-boss Wayne Hillson, who has waived the seven days' notice of approach rule to allow Liskeard to sign goalkeeper Matt England in time to make his debut against Saltash.

But left-back Callum Martindale has left Lux Park – without Edwards having had a chance to see him play – to join local West Division outfit Dobwalls.

Edwards has also included second-team striker Lee Caers; winger Simon Skews and goalkeeper Adam Bainbridge in his squad.

Saltash manager Kevin Hendy is missing just one of his line-up – but it is influential midfielder Sam Wright who is in the USA for the Christmas period.

'We are all looking forward to our first derby of the season and I am convinced that Saltash versus Liskeard is still the biggest derby in the Peninsula,' said Hendy.