Axminster Town travel across the county border tonight (Friday) for a first round tie in the Walter C Parsons Cup with Bridport.

The Bees were relegated from the Western League and have made a poor start to life in the South West Peninsular East division, having gained only one point from a draw in their first six matches and conceding 18 goals.

With Axminster still occupying send spot in the division, despite dropping four points in their last three games, this is a game the Tigers are expected to win.

Last season Axminster finished in their highest position ever in sixth place in Premier East and manager Dan Prettejohn believes he has a squad which can finish in the top three.

The Tigers made an brilliant start to the season but have stumbled in recent games, drawing 1-1 with Elmore and 2-2 with Crediton United before losing 2-0 to leaders Ivybridge last Saturday. But their commitment was more than evident in an exciting 5-4 victory over neighbours Sidmouth Town.

Ilminster youngster Shay Allen played in goal for Axminster on Saturday in place of Jason Hutchings, who it is rumoured has left the club.

Last season Axe drew 13 games but had they converted most of those into wins they could well have been challenging for the title. Prettejohn will be keen to see this doesn't become a habit for his side.

This coming Saturday Axminster are away to Torridgeside who are 12th in the table with two wins from six games.