EXETER City's batch of eight trialists are again expected to be given the chance to shine as the Grecians open their Errea South West Challenge Cup account at Ilfracombe Town tonight (6.30pm).

All eight played some part in City's opening pre-season fixture – a 2-2 draw at Blue Square South side Weston-super-Mare last Thursday – and manager Paul Tisdale will use this week in north Devon, as well as Wednesday's mouth-watering friendly clash with Tottenham Hotspur – to make a decision on their futures.

All eight – goalkeeper Matt Armstrong-Ford, defenders Aaron Griffiths, Richard Duffy, Alex Melbourne, midfielders Chris Allen, James Dunne, Tom Harvey and strikers Jack Jeffery and James Norwood – made an impression at Woodspring Stadium, having spent the last week training with the City squad.

However, Tisdale is refusing to be rushed into making decisions on their futures and will want to see them in action again before reaching a verdict.

"None of them have done themselves any harm, and I will have to give it some thought as to the next step with all of them," he said. "The key to pre-season is that they have had a sufficient challenge and sufficient opportunity for me to make an accurate decision.

"The friendlies are really about the trialists having the challenge in front of us for us to assess them.

"On Thursday, they had that challenge and we were able to assess them a little more.

"There will be more challenges for them coming up in the next few weeks for me to assess their true colours.

"They will go with us to north Devon and hopefully they will continue to show us what they can do."

Ilfracombe ply their trade in the Toolstation League Premier Division and were one of the form teams towards the end of the campaign, taking 14 points from a possible 21.

Their manager, Barry Yeo, is keen to keep that momentum going into the new season, but he is expecting a tough clash against the Grecians.

"We finished well last season and didn't want it to end. We're back in early and have already had four good sessions," he said.

"It's a nice fixture for us and there should be a few there. I don't have any idea what side Exeter are going to put out, but whatever side, young or old, it will be interesting.

"I don't expect to beat the big teams but it's going to be competitive against Eastleigh."

Yeo has – like Tisdale – made three signings so far this summer in the shape of Shaun Lewis, Lee Langmead and Darren Parish. All three are expected to play some part at Marlborough Park tonight.

As well as the Grecians' clash at Ilfracombe, there are three other fixtures taking place in north Devon. Yeovil Town kick-off their campaign against Royal Racing Montegnee (6pm, at Appledore), while Bideford host Wycombe Wanderers at 8pm. Finally, Barnstaple Town play host to Ian Holloway's Blackpool in another game that kicks off at 8pm.

Meanwhile, only a limited number of tickets remain on sale for Exeter's friendly clash with Tottenham at St James' Park on Wednesday, and all seating tickets (Big Bank and Old Grandstand) have been sold.