Falmouth Town will be aiming to end a three-game losing streak against rivals Helston Athletic when the Blues visit Bickland Park tomorrow night (kick-off 7.30pm).

Tomorrow night’s match will be the eighth time the two sides have faced each other in all competitions since the start of 2018, with Town winning the first four and the Blues winning the last three – the most recent of which was a 5-0 hammering at Kellaway Park in the Dave Gardner Memorial Tournament last month.

Falmouth Town manager Andrew Westgarth said: “They had an impressive Vase win against a higher-level side and come into it off the back of an 11-0 win against Penzance, so they’re looking very strong and I’m sure it’ll be a tough game.

“It’s quite funny how things can change so quickly. We look back at how we finished the season last year so strong and unfortunately it’s been a bit of a difficult start for us, whereas they’ve invested well into their squad and they’re on a bit of a high.

“All the pressure is on them and they’ve expressed their desire to go up through the leagues so they’ll be expecting three points more than we are.”

The match is Falmouth’s first home game since their opening-day goalless draw with Mousehole on Wednesday, August 7.

Town have faced five consecutive away trips since then as a result of new floodlights being installed at Bickland Park.

Falmouth Marine Band will be in attendance tomorrow night to mark the first outing of the new lights, while a pre-match presentation will take place for captain Joe Cooper, who made his 250th Town appearance against Bristol Telephones on Saturday, and midfielder Luke Brabyn, who is set to make his 100th appearance against the Blues.

“It’s a game we’re all looking forward to and everyone’s fully aware now that we’re getting the lights turned on,” Westgarth said.

“We’ve been away for the last five now so I think everyone’s itching to get a game at home, so hopefully it should be a great atmosphere and that can pick up the boys.”

Ryan Barnes is set to play his first game of the season in goal after missing the first few games through holiday, with Luke Barner also set to return. Ben Oliver (injury) and Jack Bowyer (work) miss out, while David Broglino (injury) is doubtful.

Helston Athletic could make it four wins in a row against Town with victory in tomorrow night's match, while a win tomorrow would also see the Blues record their fourth successive league win, and fifth in all competitions.

The last time they recorded five consecutive wins was during their SWPL Division 1 West promotion season when the Blues won nine games between December 2014 and March 2015.

Their latest run has seen them beat Wendron United, Dobwalls and Penzance in the SWPL, before Saturday's 1-0 win at Keynsham Town in the FA Vase.

Manager Steve Massey played down his side's form ahead of the game, saying: "Everything we've done counts for nothing on Wednesday because there's a huge local derby and the guys are up for it. I know there was a lot of celebration on the way back on the coach [from Keynsham], but everybody knows just what a huge game Wednesday is.

"Not only does it keep the run going, but it is Falmouth, end of. Whoever it is, whether it's Falmouth euchre side or a Falmouth darts side, it's against Falmouth and we're up for the challenge.

"Falmouth have got a very good manager in Andy Westgarth. I have huge respect for him and he'll have them up for it.

"They'll feel exactly the same in that it's Helston and they will raise their game. Form won't count for anything to be perfectly honest, it's about who's hungrier on the day."

  • Follow live text coverage of the game on the Packet website.