STEVE Coward has full faith in his Chickens’ charges to hit back with a bang against Witchampton United at the Stalls tomorrow (2pm).

After suffering a crushing 5-0 defeat to Piddletrenthide Spartans last time out, second-placed Chickerell’s Dorset Senior League title hopes were dealt a massive blow.

But boss Coward believes there is still a long way to go in their campaign and remains confident in his squad’s overall ability.

Commenting on last Saturday’s thumping, he told Echosport: “We have to just put it behind us, you can’t make any excuses for it. It is done and dusted and we just have to get over it and move on.

He added: “The league is not done, it is still tight in there, but we need to start enjoying our football again.

“With the quality we have got on the pitch, things like last Saturday shouldn’t happen.

“I will always stand by the players because I have spent two years building this side and I know that the side that I have got this year can go out and do what I want them to achieve.

“They know they are good enough and they can pick themselves up.

“Most of the squad have played at a higher standard than where they are now and you don’t become a bad side over night.”

Struggling Witchampton boast just four wins from their 16 games played in the league so far, and lie 10th in the league standings.

Elsewhere, leaders Balti House, fresh from a 6-1 drubbing of fellow title contenders South Cheriton United, head to Grove Corner to take on Portland United Reserves (2pm).

“We’ve got to carry on what we’re doing,” said Balti boss Marco Nott. “We’ve got a lot of momentum so we’re going to keep going and see where it takes us.

“We’re doing well and results are going our way, though we still know it’s in South Cheriton’s hands because they have games in hand.”

Carl McClements, Shane Lock and Scott Walker miss out for Balti but Phil Anderson and Jason Pearce return.

Meanwhile, Dorchester Sports, without a win in four, visit Okeford United (2pm).