SKIPPER Louis Loader is relishing Saturday’s mouth-watering derby as Malvern Town welcome Hereford Lads Club to the HDanywhere Community Stadium (3pm).

As Town look to strengthen their challenge for top spot they face a fellow promotion-chasing side who have lost just once in 11 games on their travels this season.

Second-placed Malvern recently played out a hard-fought 3-3 away draw against Lads Club and Saturday’s Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One West clash is expected to attract a large crowd.

“It’s a big game in prospect and everyone knows that we are coming up against strong opponents,” admitted Loader.

“That said, if we perform to the standards that we have this season we can fancy our chances against anyone.

“Having been at the club for the past eight seasons to see the way that things are progressing this season is brilliant.

“To have so many supporters behind us really is fantastic and the numbers are getting higher every week so hopefully this will continue.

“The lift that it gives us on the pitch is massive, especially when the going is tough as it has been a few times this season, and the fans are able to drive us on to get a result.

“We can’t thank them enough for this kind of support and I’d like to think they will turn up in good numbers again at the weekend and really get behind us.

“The club is buzzing at the moment and a positive result at the weekend will see us take a big step towards achieving our objectives.”

Malvern's visit to Clanfield 85 last Saturday was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

The reserves will now host Shobdon on Friday in the Herefordshire FA League Premier Division (7.45pm).