LOCAL rivals Andover Town and Whitchurch United will go head-to-head tonight after the pitch successfully passed an inspection.

The two Wessex Premier League sides will face off at Longmeadow at 7.45pm after officials inspected the pitch earlier today.

This is despite the recent heavy rain, which has lead to postponements across the Wessex leagues.

However officials have decided that the derby game will go-ahead in what will be a crucial tie for both sides.

Town currently sit in fifth and are in need of a win following back-to-back defeats to Bemerton Heath Harlequin and Horndean.

The Portway club, who have lost two of their last three league games, will also be looking to regain the kind of form which guided them up as high as second earlier this season.

A win will take Andover back above fourth placed Sholing and one point behind third placed AFC Portchester.

Meanwhile struggling Whitchurch will also be desperate for a victory, which will take them five points clear of the relegation places.

However the Jam Boys will no doubt take heart from a battling display in their last game, taking a point away at high flying Portchester, despite starting with just 10 men.

The game is at Longmeadow and will kick off at 7.45pm