Dorchester United chairman Dave Simpson and secretary Nicky Hillier have to persuade Dorset Premier League bosses tonight that they are ready for a return to the county's top flight.

The duo will assure a meeting of the Elite Teamwear League at Dorchester Town's Avenue Stadium that they can meet the ground criteria now being demanded of new entrants to the league.

The Dorset Senior League leaders, who last played in the Dorset Combination League as it was then known in 1974, are already certain to qualify for promotion in playing terms. Although they can still be pipped for top spot on goal difference by Allendale, the East Dorset side have not applied to enter the Premier League because their ground is not up to the required standard.

But United say a switch from Dorchester Rec to Sandringham Sports Centre will enable them to meet the criteria laid down by the league.

"We have a letter from the Town Council giving us permission to erect a barrier around the pitch and cover for at least 50 spectators," said Mrs Hillier, a former referee whose husband Kevin is United's manager. "We are all geared up to do it if we are accepted."

However United have been here before. Four years ago they applied to go up after winning Dorset League One only to be disappointed when the Town Council rejected their application to play at Sandringham Sports Centre.

"We are confident there will be no reason to turn us down this time," said Mrs Hillier who believes they will be informed tomorrow whether they have been successful or not.

If United are accepted they'll be planning to celebrate by winning a place in the Dorset Senior League Cup final when they travel to Witchampton tomorrow night.

Meanwhile they will have to wait a couple of weeks before they know whether they are Dorset Senior League champions. "Allen-dale have to win their

last game against Gillingham by five clear goals to pip us but because of the League Cup they're not playing that until May 11," said Mrs Hillier.