Dorset Senior League Preview

PORTLAND United Reserves and Weymouth Sports can put equally bad runs of form behind them tomorrow when they lock horns at Grove Corner in a tasty-looking derby clash (2pm).

The islanders have gone six league games without a win, losing five and drawing one, though they are still fifth in the table.

Weymouth have suffered defeat in four of their last five outings and drew the other, keeping them down in the bottom three.

The points were shared when the teams met at the end of September although Weymouth boss Chris Hicks feels it was a game his men should have won.

And he reckons that if his side can reproduce the performance they delivered that day and improve their finishing in front of goal then they could go one better tomorrow.

“We should have won that match earlier in the season,” said Hicks of that 1-1 stalemate.

“We had some chances and they scored from a free-kick which we should have defended better.

“If we play like we did then and take our chances we should get a result.

“They are usually good matches between the sides and it will be tough up there.

“We will need to be on our mettle and put in a good performance.

“They are a good side with some good players and when you’re up against a reserve team it’s always tricky to know what they will have to choose from. They have been struggling in the league a little bit like we have but they’ve got a lot of young lads and it can be difficult for them to come to terms with the physicality of this league.”

But, again, the fixture is entirely in the hands of the weather gods, though Hicks is hopeful of it going ahead.

“Things are looking good and the lads are ready,” he added. “Apart from a couple of lads who are struggling with long-term injuries we should have everyone available.

“Scott Walker is struggling with an ankle injury but Stu Dixon should be coming back soon.

“We’ve been getting a bit frustrated with the weather but hopefully we can get the game on and get everything up and running again.

“The forecast is for more rain so it’s a hard one to call but their first team played on the pitch last weekend so maybe we might have a chance.

“If it was anywhere else there probably wouldn’t be a chance of it being on.”

Elsewhere, Upwey & Broadwey and opponents Okeford United will be wishing seven is their lucky number tomorrow as they finally try to play their Dorset Senior Trophy tie at Redlands (1.30pm).

The third-round encounter has fallen to the weather on six previous occasions so both clubs must be praying that the elements will not scupper the game yet again.