ILMINSTER Town begin their Somerset County League campaign this weekend with Chris Nezianya as caretaker manager, following the resignation of boss Jason Manley last week.

The Blues travel to Odd Down Reserves on Saturday (ko 3pm), their first match back in the Premier Division after winning promotion last season.

But they have endured a tough pre-season, with several heavy defeats, and last Tuesday saw Manley step down ahead of their friendly against Westland Sports, due to family commitments.

For the Westland match, Nezianya scrambled a side made up of first team and Reserves players (with many squad members still being on holiday).

Charlie Berrington hit the post at 0-0, but Westland then took control and went on to win 7-1, with Taylor Jefferson grabbing the Ilminster consolation.

Nezianya, backed by senior players May and Charlie Rutter, will be in charge for the Blues’ opening three games – away to Odd Down this Saturday, at home to Wrington Redhill on August 19, and at home to Staplegrove on August 23.

The caretaker boss also has solid support from coach George Hamill (halfway through his Euro B Licence) and physio Andy Dyke.

Off the pitch, the club have installed a spectator barrier, which they believe greatly improves the setting at the Archie Gooch Pavilion.

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COMBE St Nicholas FC’s men’s first team begin their 2017/18 season in Somerset County League Division 1 West this Saturday, at home to Street Reserves (ko 3pm).

Combe finished 12th out of 13 teams last season, but the division has been expanded to 18 sides for this campaign.

Ted Locke’s side follow the Street match with two away games – at Glastonbury (August 16, ko 7.30pm) and at Burnham United (August 19, ko 3pm) – before ending the month at home to Winscombe (August 26, ko 3pm).

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THE Somerset County Women’s League fixtures have been released for 2017/18, with Combe Ladies, Crewkerne Ladies and Ilminster Ladies Reserves all playing in Division 2.

Sunday, September 3 sees Combe host Ilminster Reserves, with Crewkerne getting their campaign underway at Ilminster on September 10, with Combe going to Portishead Reserves on that date.

On September 17, Combe go to Evercreech, Crewkerne host Porlock, and Ilminster are at Cheddar.

All are 2pm kick-offs.