MANAGER Barry Yeo is delighted with Ilfracombe Town's new-look strikeforce.

Shaun Lewis and Lee Langmead started together for the first time in last week's Errea South West Challenge Cup game against Eastleigh.

While they were unable to find the net against the Blue Square South side, they kept the defenders occupied all evening in a game that ended in a 1-0 defeat for the Bluebirds.

Lewis, back with Combe after a season at Bideford, forced Eastleigh keeper Gareth Howells to save a stinging shot, and former Boca Seniors man Langmead put a chance agonisingly across the face of goal.

"I'm delighted with the front two," said Yeo. "It was their first time together up front, apart from 20 minutes against Exeter City (in a 4-1 defeat).

"They've got a lot to work on in getting sharpness but they won't play against sides like that in the Toolstation League.

"It's something to look at and I think we have got people who can score goals."

Despite being disappointed with scheduling that saw Ilfracombe play games at 6.30 and 6pm, Yeo was pleased with the start they made to their pre-season programme in the South West Challenge Cup.

"The last two games have been about miles on the clock, getting our fitness up," he said.

"Lots of people didn't expect anything from this and I wanted the players to get their fitness up and enjoy it. I'm really pleased with where we are."

Ilfracombe play Tipton Town at Marlborough Park on Saturday (3pm).

The Bluebirds have been drawn at home to Carlsberg Peninsular Premier Division side Witheridge in the first round of the Westinsure Devon St Luke's Cup.