DEVIZES Town will begin an awesome December fixture programme at the unusual time of 7.30pm on Saturday 8 December.

The Nursteed Road outfit, without a game at the weekend, were so keen to return to action on Saturday they agreed to play Yeovil Town Reserves at Huish Park after the Somerset side's first team game against Doncaster Rovers.

The two sides met on the opening day of the season, with Devizes emerging 2-1 victors thanks to a double strike from Barry Flippance.

Devizes manager Brian Newlands believes playing so close to a first team match will prove to be in his side's best interests.

He said: "The game was scheduled for 3pm, but their first team wanted to bring a game forward because of games of Christmas.

"It suits us better because, with a rearranged game in midweek, they'll probably have all their stars out. On Saturday, the 16 or 17 they have on the teamsheet form the Conference game won't be playing."

Devizes face a home clash with fifth placed Backwell United on Tuesday night after gaining a handy 0-0 draw in North Somerset in August.

Said Newlands: "I'd settle for four points from the two games, the same as earlier in the season. We've got to be looking at getting something out of both matches with the games we have coming up."

Striker Simon Price will return from suspension for the Backwell clash and Newlands hopes to have Julian Alexander fit for a daunting Christmas schedule.

Said Newlands: "Backwell will be tough on Tuesday and over Christmas we've got Dawlish twice, Bideford, Taunton and Melksham, who are going really well.

"You couldn't hand-pick a worse set of games, although I've got a funny feeling we'll play better against those sort of sides."