Still much to play for

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
6:54 PM

THE weather was the only Western League winner at the weekend with all league games cancelled.

But the rest will be welcomed by Ilfracombe, who start a tough run of five games in 12 days tomorrow night night away to Buckland Athletic, followed by a game at home to Winterbourne United on Saturday.

Also included in this run is a local derby at home to Barnstaple on Friday, March 29.

Manager Ross Middleton says he will be looking at a couple of the reserves to see if they can join the squad, Matt Beveridge and Ryan Welch in particular.

They have both been involved with squads this season, but games have been cancelled, so he will be looking at getting them some more experience at first team level and see how they get on.

“The season’s a long way from finished for us,” said the manager.

“After having another game cancelled on Saturday we have 14 games left to play in six weeks, so we’ll be playing twice a week at least until the end of the season.

“It means the squad will all be getting games and we’ll be looking to finish the season on a positive note.”

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Barnstaple manager Tom Bulley will be using Town’s remaining nine games to look at players and to build for next season.

Although keen to gather a pool of local players, Bulley is giving a chance to striker Ben Waltz from the Plymouth area and left sided player Danny Murdoch from Cornwall - both from the South West Peninsula League.

“I know they are from outside of the area, but I must keep all my options open,” he said. “I will look at any players who want to come to Barnstaple. They are both keen and willing and I will give them a chance as well as any local players who want to join us. All they have to do is to contact the club.”

Town were last night (Tuesday) due to take the place of their defunct reserves side in a North Devon Premier Cup game at home to North Molton.

“It is another game for us, much better than just training, and another opportunity to look at players,” said Bulley.

“We still have a lot to play for. We have games to look forward to. We are not giving up and players have the chance to play for their places.”

Town visit Odd Down, Bath, in the league on Saturday.