Beer Albion's season kicks off on Tuesday, August 16 when the Fishermen's first team make their first ever Devon Football League (DFL) appearance with an evening home game against local rivals Ottery St Mary, writes Richard Honnor.

Over the summer not only have the Fishermen have been able to retain most of last season's playing squads but team managers Mark Rooke and Jamie Bond have strengthened the club with some quality new signings from the local area.

Competition for places will be tough but with the second team now in Senior Division One of the Devon and Exeter League, the club is able to offer a high standard of local football for all players signed-on no matter which side they play for.

Pre-season matches have gone well with creditable draws against Peninsular League opposition Crediton and Sidmouth and hard-earned victories against Chard, East Budleigh, and Colyton.

The one disappointment is that Finley Rooke suffered a very bad injury against Colyton last Friday and could be out for several months with a fractured ankle and wrist. It is a big blow for the club and for Finn personally as he has been outstanding in pre-season. We all wish him well with his recovery.

Kick off for the Ottery game at the Furzebrake next Tuesday is 6:30 pm and the match sponsor is Pecorama. 

Beer 2nds start their league campaign on Saturday 20th August with a home game against Bow kick off 3pm.

The Club extends a warm welcome to old and new supporters alike and we all look forward to a new challenge in Beer Albion's long history and to another successful season.