Western League Premier Division preview – Saturday, August 29

ST BLAZEY face an acid test of their vast improvement tomorrow as leaders Clevedon Town make the trip to Cornwall (3pm).

The Green and Blacks struggled for much of last year to finish mid-table, but a new-look squad under Dan Hart have put together an unbeaten start – securing 10 points from a possible 12 to sit fourth, just two points behind Clevedon who have played a game more.

Blazey would be the only side in the division with a perfect record if it wasn’t for a late equaliser from Tavistock goalkeeper Dan Holman in their last league outing, but they bounced back in style to advance in the FA Cup last weekend as they knocked out Southern League Division One South outfit Barnstaple Town.

Clevedon’s only setback in the league came against Somerset rivals Bridgwater United, however the Seasiders have also responded well, winning in the Vase as well as easing to a 5-0 victory at promoted Wells City. It promises to be a cracking afternoon at Blaise Park.

Although Newquay having the day off having picked up eight points from their six outings, the three other Cornish clubs in the division – Saltash United, Liskeard Athletic and Torpoint Athletic – are all in action, and all on home soil.

The Ashes are second, albeit having played six times, with three wins and as many draws, and last Saturday secured a fine 2-0 win at Bovey Tracey courtesy of skipper Alfie Wotton and frontman Henry Donovan.

They host Shepton Mallet who come to Cornwall also unbeaten with 11 points from a possible 15, and won at Saltash’s neighbours Liskeard on the opening day.

Torpoint were one win away from being champions last term but have suffered a hangover in the league so far, losing their last three following having seen off Street on matchday one.

They did cruise past one-league lower Bishops Lydeard in the Vase on August 15 and have since had time to regroup ahead of a busy run of games.

The Point welcome promoted Bovey to The Mill for a fixture both sides will fancy their chances in, with both struggling at the back.

Liskeard’s last league action was back on Tuesday, August 4 when they lost 2-0 at Brixham, and since then the Blues have fallen at the first hurdle in both the FA Cup and Vase to Bridgwater and Brixham respectively.

They are once again in action at Lux Park against a Sidmouth Town side who they have already beaten this term, a 3-1 win in East Devon on July 28.

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