LYME Regis boss Gerard Hitchcock is not fooled by favourable statistics ahead of the Seasiders’ Macron Devon & League League Premier Division contest at Upottery on Saturday (2.15pm).

On paper, the form guide points firmly to a Lyme win with Upottery taking just one victory from five home league games, while Lyme have collected an impressive five triumphs from six away league trips.

However, Hitchcock’s caution is founded on the reverse fixture this season when Upottery beat Lyme 4-3, terrorising his side at set-plays.

He told the Bridport News: “We were terrible when we played them at home, it was one of the worst performances I’ve seen this season.

“It was when we had that little rut of every time we had (to defend) a free-kick or corner we ended up conceding.

“I wouldn’t take anything for granted in this league where you had Feniton and Lapford who were right up the top (last weekend) and went to Seaton and Beer and both lost.

“On any given day, it’s one of those where teams can beat any team. It’s a bit more interesting this year, I don’t think there’s an out and out favourite that’s going to walk away with this league.”

Heavy rain is predicted for the latter part of the week and Hitchcock is sceptical regarding the prospect of play.

He said: “I’d happily play on Saturday, I’d just be very surprised. We played at Upottery last year and it wasn’t even a wet period when we played them.

“Their pitch was very wet then, to be perfectly honest. It’s quite low down in a valley and obviously gets water dripping down towards it.

“I don’t think the river’s that far away from it. I personally think the weather will beat us again.”

Lyme have a full-strength squad to choose from.