Ford calls on fans to turn up for big showdown

The Puritans are second in the Evo-Stik Southern League following Tuesday’s 1-0 victory at Tiverton Town where Mark Bell bagged the only goal in the Division One South & West clash. That was United’s second success over a top-ten side, having beaten North Leigh earlier this month.

Few could have imagined the Puritans would be engaged in a top-two showdown after the opening day of the campaign when Swindon Supermarine ran out 3-0 winners. But the Puritans’ promotion push has gathered momentum since that early setback and they go into Saturday’s game on the back of a seven-match winning sequence.

Ford said: “I hope there is a 500-plus crowd on Saturday because the players deserve it. Me, the committee, players and supporters would never have imagined we would be involved in a top-of-the-table clash in February when we started off in August.

“You don’t get to play in these games very often so I’m hoping that we can get a really good attendance.”

And, with adult admission halved to just £5, and under-16s free, club officials will also be hoping for a bumper attendance.