LYME Regis manager Gerard Hitchcock is relishing the extra spice associated with a Beaminster derby as the Seasiders visit the Rainbows in their Dorset Senior Trophy first round battle on Saturday (2.30pm).

The two sides are close rivals, although the fixture has twice been postponed – the latest of which coming last Saturday in controversial circumstances.

Beaminster declared the pitch waterlogged early on the morning of the tie, with the top-left corner and top goalmouth at the Memorial Ground deemed unplayable.

However, given Lyme’s close proximity to the Rainbows, the visitors felt the match had been called off too early.

Adding further intrigue to the situation is former Lyme boss Robin Townsend, who is on the coaching staff at Beaminster.

Speaking to the Bridport News, Hitchcock said: “There’s probably two or three players for them who have played for us.

“I do believe they’ve got Robin helping out on the sideline as well. An ex-manager gives it even more of a spice, not that it needed much more because it’s Lyme-Beaminster.

“Hopefully we kick on and play like we can do. I’d hope we’ve got enough to get by. It will be a tough fixture because it’s a local derby.

“It depends how it pans out.

“The pitch will probably suit us more than playing at home because it’s a big wide area. Hopefully we should be able to play some football on it.”

Mike Knight is finally available for Lyme after concussion and a dislocated shoulder.

Hitchcock said: “I’ve eventually got Mike fit. He came and played all pre-season for me and literally, the first game of the season, he was on my bench.

“Him and Ben Turner had a coming together in warm-up, knocked heads and it wasn’t until the next day that he got diagnosed with concussion.

“That put him out for three weeks. He went to come back and play five-a-side to get himself fit and popped his shoulder out. Eventually he gets to have a debut on Saturday!”

Ben Vine returns while Cody Bowditch continues to play for Lyme’s third team amid a dispute over playing position – the full-back wanting to play as a striker.