JAKE Richmond is looking forward to welcoming Bradley Asagba back to the Bob Lucas Stadium with Blandford United tomorrow (2pm) – but there won’t be any generosity on the pitch as far as the Terras’ boss is confirmed.

Asagba was an important part of Weymouth Reserves’ squad during the second half of last season, using his experience to help guide Richmond’s youngsters in the right direction.

Richmond wanted to keep the midfielder at the club before Asagba became the new Bland-ford manager last month.

The Royals have enjoyed a significant improvement in their results since Asagba took over at Park Road and head to Weymouth bidding for a fourth successive victory in the Dorset Premier League.

Looking ahead to Asagba’s return, Richmond said: “Bradley was one of my players last season and I’m looking forward to him coming back.

“He was great for us and really helped the younger lads, and they loved him.

“Bradley was a really good member of the squad and I can’t speak highly enough of him.

“I tried to get him back this season as part of my backroom staff but he took over at Blandford instead.

“It appears he has turned things around there, but hopefully he won’t be leaving with anything tomorrow.”

Asagba has David Weeden and Kieran Mulvey available for tomorrow, and the Blandford chief knows his team will be in for a difficult afternoon against his old club.

“We know this is going to be a very tough fixture for us,” he said. “We are playing the league runners-up and in my opinion probably the most efficient team in the league.

“They will not just be looking to win but to do so convincingly, score a few goals and put in a performance against a team in transition.

“We have different objectives. For us, the challenge is to try and assimilate the information me and my assistant Aaron Turner impart and to implement it.

“So far they have done this with great enthusiasm so we shall look forward to Saturday.”

Defending league champions Portland United host Mere Town at Grove Corner (2pm) with Dan Austin set to return for the Blues.

Portland boss Gary Bailey will also have one eye on events in Wimborne where league leaders Merley Cobham Sports entertain third-placed Hamworthy Rec-reation.

The Blues, a point behind Merley, could claim top spot if results go their way.

“Something has got to give between Merley and Hamworthy, and when two rivals at the top of the league play each other it’s important you get a result to capitalise on one or both of them dropping points,” he said.

“We played Mere three times last season and they gave us three tough games, two in the league and one in the cup.

“They’ve had a good start to this season and we are expecting a tough game against a good side.”

Meanwhile, Bridport Reserves take on Piddletrenthide Spartans in the second round of the Dorset Senior Trophy at St Mary’s Field (3pm).

And in the Dorset Senior League, Chickerell United can cut Balti House’s lead at the summit to one point if they beat hosts Blandford United Reserves.

Balti are not in action this weekend but Dorchester Sports host South Cheriton United. The games at Blandford and Sports kick-off at 2pm.