BRIDGWATER Town make their first steps in this year's FA Cup adventure this weekend with a trip to Cheddar.

The hosts play in the First Division of the Toolstation Western League, the division below the Robins, who reached the first qualifying round of the competition last season.

In fact, Town have never been beaten at this stage while Cheddar are yet to record an FA Cup victory as they enter the famous competition for a third time.

The Robins cannot afford to take the challenge lightly, however, as Cheddar have made a fine start to their league campaign - the Cheesemen won 4-0 at Devizes Town on the opening day before following that up with an impressive 3-0 victory at highly-fancied Keynsham Town on Tuesday.

Bridgwater picked up a notable opening game victory of their own, beating Buckland Athletic 2-0 in an eventful match at Fairfax Park on Tuesday evening after last Saturday's scheduled opener at Hengrove Athletic was postponed.

Looking ahead to this weekend, Town boss Dave Pearse said: "Pearse said: “I used to play against them for Barnstaple so I know a bit about them, and we are ready for a tough game.

"We signed a few players from them before last season but not many of them are still here.

“It will be their cup final as it’s a big game for them and a chance for them to get one over a team in a higher league.

"But it’s a massive game for us, too, as it’s important to progress in the competition both in terms of on the pitch and financially.”

The winners receive £2,250, with the losing side taking £750.

MIDDLEZOY Rovers begin their Uhlsport Somerset County League campaign this Saturday at home to reigning champions Chilcompton Sports (ko 3pm).

Manager Craig Berry said: “Pre-season has gone very well; we’ve played Western League sides and picked up some wins, some draws and just one loss.

“We’ve been able to bring some 17- and 18-year-olds into the first team in those friendlies.

“They’ve come up through our Athletic and Reserves sides, and it’s good to see players learning and hopefully play their part for the first team.”

The County League has been restructured, meaning fewer games for Zoy in the Premier – and seeing the Reserves take their place in Division 3, having been promoted from the Taunton Saturday League.

Zoy have kept hold of their squad from last season, despite interest from elsewhere.

Berry added: “A couple of players were touted by Western League clubs – Cheddar and Bishops Lydeard.

“I won’t stand in the way of a player who wants to progress; they went off and trained and played some friendlies, but they decided to stay with us, which is a big compliment.”

“I’m looking to add a couple more; in a few weeks, some Western League players who aren’t getting what they want will look elsewhere for regular football, and we have some irons in the fire there.”

In terms of targets for the season, Berry wants his side to score more goals and finish higher than last year’s fifth place.