The Seasiders were disappointed that their vital top of the table clash at Helston Athletic on Saturday was an inevitable victim of the recent wet weather. But it provided an opportunity to reflect on where things might go from here.

After an incredible 2023 when only one defeat in 19 games saw Town four points clear at the top of the table following a vital 1-0 win at Bridgwater United, the team failed to win in January and although they have since put that form behind them there are new challenges between now and the end of the season.

Part of the reason for Town remaining unbeaten in the league until December was momentum when they started well and played a total of 28 games in 23 weeks. 

However, going forward they will now end up with three blank Saturdays in five weeks and were facing the prospect of three long trips in midweek in their remaining nine league games.

Manager Alex White said: “It feels like a mini winter break but its not come at the worst time for us. We’ve not been as free flowing as we would like this year and it gives us the chance to get a few bodies back, but we need to ensure training is high intensity and well-focused.”

Clevedon are fortunate that the work of the pitch team has meant that they have been less affected by the weather than most other clubs have been badly affected and the Toolstation League have extended the season by a week.

So, the Helston game has been rearranged for 27th April making it a potential title decider in the last game of the season but even so Clevedon are committed to going to Barnstaple in midweek.

There is a long way to go until then and because all the top six, which also includes Bridgwater Town, Barnstaple Town and Shepton Mallet, have to play each other it means points will be shared around. How they are shared will influence who wins the title and the order of the play-off positions which could be vital when the play-off games are played.

The structure of the play-offs is pre-determined, consisting of one off games, with the second placed team at home to the fifth and the third home to the fourth in the semi-finals. 

The club will also look to improve on their only other appearance play-offs in the Southern League In 2004/05 when they lost 2-3 in extra time to Bromsgrove Rovers at the Hand.

Manager Alex White said: “It is what it is.  We’ve got the points on the board and the rest have to play catch up, but we won’t become too fixated on what others are doing. We know what we’ve got to do ourselves, we’ll stay focused and achieve the maximum number of points we can.”

Chairman Paul Davis added: “Whatever happens we’ll take things as they come, but come what may, the club will do everything it can to make sure the management and players can achieve what their efforts this season deserve.”