LYME Regis boss Gerard Hitchcock upped the ante ahead of the Seasiders’ derby at Seaton Town on Saturday (2.15pm), admitting he would be “surprised” if his side lost to their Devon rivals.

Both teams are experiencing different fortunes in the Macron Devon & Exeter League Premier Division, with Lyme second and Seaton 10 places adrift in 12th.

Lyme thumped Seaton 5-0 at Davey Fort earlier in the season, although Seasiders’ manager Hitchcock admitted the contest would prove far from easy.

He told the Bridport News: “Position-wise, it should be straightforward, but it’s definitely not going to be – it’s a local derby.

“We beat them earlier in the season but that doesn’t mean anything. I think it will be a tough one because we’ve been hit and miss on football for four weeks.

“Everyone’s going to be a bit ring-rusty so it’ll be good to get a game under our belt.

“It won’t be easy but I’d like to think if we can pick up where we left off from Beaminster (a 3-2 win) I’d be surprised if we lost, but you never know with football.”

Midfielder Mark Bailey (hamstring) and Craig Every (unavailable) both return.

Meanwhile, full-back Cody Bowditch is in contention after a dispute over playing position.

Nathan Womersley (foot) will be assessed prior to the clash and Lyme are otherwise injury-free.