SHAUN Maher looks set to make his return from suspension when Cherries host Bristol Rovers in the Pontin's Holidays Combination tomorrow (Wednesday).

Maher has been forced to sit out Cherries' last three league games after being red-carded for violent conduct during the 4-0 defeat by Hull City last month.

But his automatic three-match ban is due to be completed following Cherries' trip to Bristol City tonight, leaving the Dubliner free to face the Pirates at Dean Court (2pm kick-off).

Although Cherries boss Sean O'Driscoll is unlikely to run the rule over any new triallists, the reserve-team squad will be named following the first-team's visit to Ashton Gate.

Meanwhile, Brett Pitman bagged his SIXTH hat-trick of the season as Cherries registered their third Merit League win on the trot at Brentford on Saturday. Ryan Moss was also on target in a 4-1 victory.

Channel Islander Pitman, 17, hit four hat-tricks during Cherries' South West Conference campaign - including three in a row - and another in the Youth Alliance Cup.

His sixth treble, which helped propel Cherries into third place in Division One South of the Merit League, took his personal haul for the season to 34.