MALVERN TOWN co-manager, Lee Hooper, is confident ahead of 'feisty' rivalry game with Cribbs. 

In their most recent game, Town drew 2-2 at home to Tavistock on Saturday (November, 16). Their game against Falmouth, which was due to be played on November 23, was called off due to weather conditions. 

"Finding out late was a bit frustrating," said Hooper. "It was just a good job we didn't get on the coach. 

"I think it was about an hour and a half before we were going to leave that we got the confirmation the game was off, so it was lucky we didn't travel. It gave the lads a bit of rest."

This Saturday sees the side take on Cribbs - a side in the relegation zone, but a stern challenge nevertheless. 

"We would like to think [we will be able to get the win]," said Hooper. "We have got a bit of a rivalry there from when we came up through the Hellenic League, it was always a feisty game.

"They have recruited a few of their old players back that got promoted, so it will still be a tough challenge, there will still be a bit of a rivalry there. 

"They will definitely be coming to give it a good go because I am not sure that we are their favourite team.

"But there will be opportunity there, definitely. If we stick to our guns and our game plan, we will be looking to definitely get the three points."

The rivalry between the two clubs started in the Hellenic League, where both teams were simultaneously vying for promotion, meaning every game was of vital importance to either sides' league campaign. 

"We were both at the top of the table, so when we played it was a six-pointer," said Hooper. "The game was built up quite a bit by media off the pitch. 

"I think we will draw a good crowd on Saturday and we are looking forward to it."

Malvern currently sit 13th in the table, but their playoff hopes are still very much alive in what is an extremely tight league. 

Malvern are currently four points off the playoff spots and only ten points stand between the best-placed side in the relegation zone and the worst-placed side in the promotion spots. 

Hooper said: "It is a very tight league, up until the fourth of January, there is a lot of games.

"I think when we come out the back of that in the New Year, we will know more where we are looking to go for after Christmas. It is still the same as what we started out looking for at the moment, in and around the playoffs, ready to give it a push.

"But we have got to pick up these points on Saturday and through to December, because a win can move you up quite a few positions if results go your way. But also you are looking over your shoulder at who could be catching you from below, it is a very tight league. 

"Anybody could beat anybody.

"We have lost one in ten, so we have just got to look at those draws, turn those draws into wins. 

"We are looking at the playoffs - it is definitely achievable."