MINEHEAD are expecting a bumper crowd for their derby clash at home to Watchet Town in the first division of the Uhlsport Somerset County Football League tomorrow (Sat, 3p.m.).

It is the longest running rivalry in West Somerset football, with the first match between the clubs taking place on February 1, 1890.

Minehead’s biggest home attendance since leaving the Southern League in 1983 at Irnham Road for the opening game of the 2010-11 season was 485 with a large section of the crowd coming from Watchet. Minehead won 3-0 but it was a rare victory in recent times.

Minehead’s chairman Mark Vickers said: "We are looking forward once again to be meeting our local rivals Watchet Town in the league.

"The bragging rights in West Somerset have been with Watchet since season 2014/15 when Minehead were last in the Premier Division. It’s been hard to see for all Minehead supporters.

"We have had a decent start to the season with a good point at Nailsea & Tickenham and the dismantling of a weak Castle Cary team last weekend. I know we will be without one or two players lost to holidays and cricket but I feel sure Watchet will be in the same boat.

"We are expecting a big crowd at the Rec and will do our best to make everyone welcome for what is Minehead biggest game for years. If you can’t get excited for a derby like this you are in the wrong game.”

Unlike Minehead, Watchet have played only one league game - winning 2-1 away to promoted Combe St Nicholas a fortnight ago.

“Obviously we would have liked a game last Saturday, especially after winning at Combe,’ said Nick Sully, now part of Watchet’s management team. “Unfortunately, we will be without our caption Eben Harding, who is unavailable, which is a shame.

“Hopefully, it will be a good game and there will be plenty of people to watch it.”

Many players in the Taunton Saturday and Sunday Leagues will be able to watch the game because their season does not kick off until the following weekend. Both leagues will have more sides this coming season.