MINEHEAD play at home to big-spending Combe St Nicholas in the first division of the Uhlsport Somerset County Football League on Saturday, January 24 (3p.m.).

Combe, who are thought to have one of the biggest playing budgets in the league, are unbeaten this season and are lying third in the table, only four points behind leaders Portishead Town Reserves with five matches in hand.

“Obviously, we’re expecting a tough game,” said Minehead boss Lee Todd. “We will have to be at our best if we are going to get something out of the game.

“We beat Portishead at home earlier this season and no-one expected us to do that. But we will have to play well right from the start.

”If we play like we did at Sporting Weston in the second half last weekend, then I think we have a chance.”

Striker Guy Burns, who missed the 3-1 loss at Sporting Weston for personal reasons, returns to the Minehead squad along with defender Toby Morris.

“At the moment it looks as though we can field a full-strength squad," added Todd.”

Meanwhile Watchet Town, bottom of the Premier Division, have a crucial home game against fellow strugglers Worle who beat them 1-0 on their own ground in mid-October (2p.m.).

“I thought we were very unlucky not to get at least a draw at Worle,” said Watchet boss Nick Sully.

“I think they have signed on one or two new players since we played them."

Despite winning a match, Watchet are without a point in the division because they had three points deducted for not playing three games earlier this season.

Striker Alfie Cox is still suffering from a long-term knee injury and appears not to be any nearer playing again for Watchet, but midfielder Aaron Scott, who has also been struggling with a knee problem, is progressing well.