Toughest possible start for Ivybridge Town

Fixtures are out for the new Western League season and Ivybridge Town face a baptism of fire in their first campaign at a higher level.

The Ivies were dominant in winning the South-West Peninsula League title last term and will be a superb addition to the Western League, but the first few matches will be a proper test of their credentials.

The opening visitors to Erme Valley on July 27 will be Bridgwater United, who finished third last season, and then Ivybridge are on the road three days later, taking on Barnstaple Town, who were placed fifth.

August 3 is scheduled for the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round and then, a week later, the Ivies travel to Clevedon Town, who finished fourth. With the top two of Helston Athletic and Falmouth Town winning promotion to the Southern League, this is the toughest possible start for Ivybridge Town.

Thankfully, the challenge, on paper, settles down a little with subsequent home games against Cornish duo St Blazey and Saltash United. The traditional Boxing Day fixture will see the Ivies travel to Brixham. The Western League season concludes with a trip to Wellington on April 21.