ST AUSTELL boss Chris Knight feels their local derby with St Blazey is ‘the biggest in the area’ as they prepare for their Boxing Day trip to Blaise Park (11am).

Both sides have had trying seasons at Step Five with the Lillywhites 16th and Blazey third bottom in an incredibly challenging division.

Knight said: “It's the biggest Boxing Day derby historically in the area and the one both clubs look for, so to have it back is great.

“In terms of where both teams are I think you need to be realistic - both teams are where their budgets probably dictate - we are both in a very tough league with some huge clubs and resources, and you have to cut your cloth accordingly.

“I look at it a different way really to most as Cornish football should be delighted that these two clubs have taken the plunge and gone up to this standard.

“Both teams are competing well with local players and the player pool is tiny, so to have two clubs within four miles of each other competing at Step Five is something to be proud of instead of worrying about where they are! It's a great time for football in the area.

“This game has very often been two teams playing in the South West Peninsula League, and with all due respect to that standard, this is a huge step up and it's great both clubs are there!”

Knight just wants to see his side perform in what will be a huge crowd, concluding: “We respect them, we respect their club and their team and I've got a lot of friends there, but we will concentrate solely on us!

“If we turn up and play well as we have been then we have a chance to win, if we don't we won't, it's as simple as that!”