Sidmouth head into tomorrow’s Francis Clark Devon League top flight game knowing that they cannot afford to lose, writes Stephen Birley.

After defeats at Exeter and Plymouth, Will Murray’s men now sit third in the table, 19 points behind leaders Bovey Tracey who are the Fortfield visitors (12.30pm).

Murray says: “We did manage to pull back a lot of points last season when we were trailing, but this time round there are stronger teams involved and that probably means we cannot afford to lose any more than three games to land the title. I am not concerned about the two defeats in as much as I am very happy that we have a squad and an eleven to compete with any side at this level.”

Adam Dibble is available and he comes in at the expense of Miles Dalton of whom Murray says: “Miles is unfortunate, but if Adam is available he has to play. Charlie Miles has also done enough with his off-spin to keep his place. Other than that we are unchanged for what I see as a very big game in terms of our season.”

He added: “Last year we faced a Bovey Tracey who were top and went into that game having lost our last two. That being the case I am looking for lightning to strike twice as we went on and won this one last year and more of the same would do nicely.”