BATTLES between individual players are likely to dominate a local derby against Hereford Lads Club on Saturday, says Wellington’s boss Gary Stevens.

The two Uhlsport Hellenic League West Division One sides will meet on the 3G pitch at the County Ground, but the players knowing each other can mean game plans “go out of the window”.

“We always look forward to local games because there’s less travelling,” Stevens said.

“The players know each other so you know what you’re up against but there’s individual rivalry as well.

“The players then forget what they’re supposed to be doing, but I fancy our chances going into every game. Form seems to go out of the window in these sorts of games.

“Some games we play well and some games we don’t play well, but it doesn’t help when we miss games. We missed a Saturday over the Christmas period and it’s been stop-start.”

Wellington sit just one place and three points ahead of Lads Club in eighth, but the County Ground side has played five games less.

Stevens’ side will go into the clash having drawn 3-3 with Shortwood United on the road on Saturday, a game which he said his side should have won.

Wellington held the lead going into half time thanks to goals from Luke Griffiths and Joe Davies, either side of Shortwood netting.

The hosts further pegged back Stevens’ side as they look the lead after the break, but Rob Whitlock rescued a point as he converted a penalty five minutes from full time.

“We should’ve been out of sight,” Stevens added.