Beer Albion can put a massive dent in the Fresha League title aspirations of Seaton Town when the pair meets at Forcefield on Bank Holiday Monday (3pm).

On Saturday the two sides suffered very mixed fortunes.

The Fishermen trailed 1-0 shortly after half-time at home to high flying and in-form Topsham Town, but stormed back to win 4-1 with goals from Luke Bartlett (2), Martin Hancock and Matt Rowson. It was an inspired tactical switch that turned the contest on its head. Injury to Martin Adkin led to him being replaced by Martin Hancock who, although living away from the Town these days, still stays in touch and is always happy to help out.

The pre-match plan had always been that if the visitors got ahead then Beer would send Hancock forward. They did just that with Andrew Foster taking over the defensive duties. Hancock’s presence in the forward line made all the difference and three goals were netted inside five second half minutes to put the Fishermen in charge.

The final goal, five minutes from time, was a bit special as Beer keeper Mark Rooke launched it up field. Rowson controlled the dropping ball and promptly lobbed the visiting keeper from some distance to put a polished seal on proceedings.

Fishermen Boss Mark Ward said: “That’s as good as we have played all season long. The Martin (Hancock) switch paid dividends but, throughout the side, everyone put in a special shift. It sets up so well for the big local derby on Monday with Seaton. If we play like we did against Topsham then I am sure we will have a big say in the 90 minutes of football. The game up at their place earlier in the season ended 0-0 and we were very much their equal that day and I expect similar tomorrow.”

But there was no such joy for Seaton Town as they were edged out 2-1 at Manstone Road against title rivals Sidmouth Town.

With Seaton and Sidmouth meeting again on Saturday, this time at Colyford Road, it is vital that Town take something from their game with Beer to make sure that next Saturday’s match is indeed a title decider.