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After the frustrations of yet another weather related postponement Exmouth Town will be hoping that their home fixture against Appledore (3pm) this Saturday goes ahead, writes John Dibsdall.

The latest cancellation means that Town now face midweek away fixtures at their furthest rivals, Galmpton and Appledore, neither of whom have floodlights thereby necessitating early evening starts!

Appledore are the most improved side in the division having won nine and drawn two of their last eleven games, including a 2-2 draw at Stoke Gabriel, and are currently lying fifth in the table with a top four finish clearly in their sights. Town played their Devon Premier Cup semi-final tie against Stoke Gabriel last night and Manager Richard Pears will be hoping that the side has come through unscathed and he has, with the possible exception of Phil Everett, a full strength squad for the Appledore game.

Of the games played last weekend Appledore were far too strong for Sidmouth winning 4-0 and Stoke Gabriel kept up their challenge for the title with a 5-0 victory at Plymstock. Teignmouth overcame Okehampton 4-1 and whilst the results were predictable they clearly show that Town cannot afford any slip-ups if they are to win the division.

Looking at Stoke Gabriel’s remaining fixtures I feel they have an easier run in than Town having only Budleigh and ourselves to play of the sides currently in the top six. We for our part have home and away games against Budleigh (Good Friday 11.30am kick off at Greenway Lane) and Appledore and the home match with Stoke on April 6.

Whilst it is right that we should respect all of our opponents they will also not exactly relish the prospect of meeting Town but when you do sit at the top of the league you are there to be shot at and everyone wants to be the first side to take away our unbeaten league record.