Jewson/Hellenic We've become the team to beat, says Bennett

AVONMOUTH manager Ashley Bennett is eyeing more exciting times for his side as they get set for this afternoon's derby at home against Almondsbury (1pm) in “a great position.”

- Simon PARKINSON

Avonmouth lock horns with eighth-placed Almondsbury in Jewson League Division One combat only five points off the pace set by Devizes, 21 games into a remarkable campaign thus far for each.

While the Wiltshire fliers have yet to lose a match, Avonmouth have fallen just the once, to Bristol Telephones, 3-2, in late August.

“We've had a decent few weeks and progressed to the second round of the GFA Challenge Trophy and a home tie at some point with Roman Glass)’ said Bennett.

“We came away from Devizes with a goalless draw recently when really we should have taken all three points.

“The point we took from our 1-1 draw with Telephones was useful as we weren't very good in the first half but looked much better in the second after adjusting a few things.

“We got back to winning ways to beat Calne 1-0 at our place thanks to a really good performance against a side who have come on leaps and bounds since a few early season struggles there.

“To cap a positive period, we've gone to Bitton, like us in a playoff position, and beaten them 2-1 on Saturday.