FALMOUTH Town will welcome Tavistock to Bickland Park on Saturday in one of the most eagerly-anticipated local football fixtures of the weekend (kick-off 3pm).

Town, currently third in the South West Peninsula League Premier, take on second-placed Tavistock for the second time in three weeks after the two sides drew 3-3 in the reverse fixture at Langsford Park on November 17.

The two teams have had some fascinating meetings in recent times, including Falmouth’s 4-2 Walter C Parson League Cup final victory in May and Tavistock’s 7-0 thrashing of Town in last season’s Bickland Park meet.

Midfielder Martyn Duff is set to miss the game with injury while Matt Buchan and Luke Johnson are doubtful after picking up knocks in Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Exmouth Town.

Town boss Andrew Westgarth said: “I don’t know why the fixtures have been like this in the sense of having Tavistock twice within three weeks because they wouldn’t have been postponed or anything, so it’s a bit frustrating from that point of view but I’m really looking forward to it.

“It sort of felt like, not a missed opportunity, but I felt like we were unlucky not to get the three points up there so it would be quite nice to avenge that and obviously the 7-0 hammering we had last season.”

Falmouth Packet:

Former Town striker Jordan Annear scores the crucial third goal in their 4-2 cup final victory over Tavistock in May

Opposition in brief

Last season’s SWPL Premier and Walter C Parson League Cup runners-up Tavistock come into Saturday’s game in relatively poor form, having picked up just four points from their previous four league games.

A narrow win at home to mid-table Godolphin Atlantic and the aforementioned 3-3 draw with Town were preceded by a 1-0 defeat at Exmouth and a 7-2 thrashing at Bodmin Town.

The Lambs have also been eliminated from each of the FA Cup, FA Vase, Walter C Parson League Cup and Devon St Luke’s Bowl.

But Tavvy are still well-placed in the league despite recent results and occupy second spot, 12 points behind leaders Plymouth Argyle but with six games in hand.

The bigger picture

Tavistock are currently heading up a group of five teams, including Town, with similar points in the SWPL Premier. The Lambs are in second with 38 points, with Falmouth, Exmouth and Saltash on 36 while St Austell have 35.

Saltash and St Austell are not in league action this weekend, but any of Town, Tavvy or Exmouth could end up on top of the mini-league come Saturday evening should results go their way.

Around the grounds

Elsewhere in the SWPL Premier, Helston Athletic travel to Millbrook in a hastily-rearranged game (kick-off 3pm) with their originally scheduled opponents Saltash United in FA Vase action.

The Blues won 3-2 in the reverse fixture at Kellaway Park in August with strikes from Ryan Holland and Tyler Oliver plus an own goal securing the points for the hosts.

In the SWPL Division 1 West, Porthleven welcome St Dennis to Gala Parc (kick-off 3pm) knowing that a win could see them top the table should Liskeard Athletic fail to beat Plymouth Marjon.

Wendron United travel to Bere Alston United (kick-off 2.15pm) looking to continue their fine form of seven wins from their last eight games.

In the Combination League, leaders Falmouth Town reserves will aim to bounce back from last weekend’s surprise defeat at Perranwell with a win at Pendeen Rovers (kick-off 2.30pm).

Perranwell will aim to take down another title challenging side when they visit Penryn Athletic.