Beer Albion head into 2018 sitting ninth in the Macron Devon and Exeter League Premier Division having banked 17 points from 14 games so far this term.

Under the management of player-boss Richard Walker the Fishermen made a losing start to their campaign with an opening day 4-1 defeat at Exmouth Town Reserves followed, just two days later by a 6-0 home mauling at the hands of Elmore.

However, Walkers men then reeled off three successive wins to get their campaign up and running.

Beer have won just four league games this term – the most recent success being a 4-3 November 11 win at Feniton. However, in the cup – particularly the East Devon Senior Cup – its been a story of success with the side looking forward to a February semi-final after their most recent outing – a December 9, 3-0 win over Perry Street and Yonder Hill.

It all means that when they return to action after the festive break this coming Saturday (January 6) they will be playing for the first time in four weeks. They are in action at Hatherleigh Town who were the last team Beer defeated in a top flight game at their Furzebrake home this season – beating the North Devon side 3-1 back on September 23.

Since that last home win, the Fishermen have drawn with Feniton, Cronies and Okehampton and suffered single goal defeats to Exmouth Town Reserves and Newtown.

In terms of scoring goals, the Fishermen’s leading scorer in Macron League top flight games this term is Chris Long who has netted nine goals in 14 starts so far.

After Saturday’s visit to Hatherleigh, Beer have a run of three successive home league games with visits from Seaton Town (January 13), Witheridge Reserves (January 20) and Clyst Valley (January 27).

Hatherleigh sit third bottom having won just twice in the league so far this season and, with three of the next four opponents currently sitting in the bottom five – the exception being Witheridge who are seventh, then January fixture list suggests that Beer could well ease into February sitting comfortably in then top flight, well clear of the cluster of teams at the foot of the table.