Saltash United will be missing three players through suspension when they take on second-placed Tavistock at Kimberley Stadium on Boxing Day in the SWPL premier division’s match of the day (11 am).

Recent postponements for the Ashes, including Saturday’s Walter C Parson League Cup tie at Elmore, have left midfield men Henry Wilson and Sam Farrant and left back Callum Martindale still to serve their bans.

On the bright side for Matt Cusack’s squad, the enforced break from action has allowed extra time for striker Sam Hughes, Lewis Russell and Lewis Edwards to be considered for selection after injuries.

Cusack said: ‘The game against Tavistock should draw a big crowd with it being the biggest non league game in the area on Boxing Day.

‘The match itself will see two teams both in a title race attempting to lay down a marker. Win, lose or draw, I’ll be sitting with Stu Henderson (Tavistock manager) for a beer after.

‘The game will now be the first of three big games for us that could help shape our season with Falmouth and Elmore to follow.

‘Personally I billed December as a big month but the volume of fixtures we had on paper will now only be partially met weather permitting.’

Cusack revealed that the Saltash squad trained last Saturday and on Wednesday.

He said: ‘Liskeard are available for a friendly I believe but it doesn’t make sense, given we could meet in the Cornwall Senior Cup if we both win our next ties.’