MARTYN Peel has praised his Dorchester players for their commitment to the cause in the face of a growing injury list at Coburg Road.

The county town side’s bad luck with injuries struck again last weekend when they lost the services of Tom Bamlet (dislocated elbow) and Rich Bament (concussion) during the defeat to Midsomer Norton.

While Bamlet and Bament are not going to be available for tomorrow’s home clash with North Dorset, the return of Sam Prior on loan until the end of the season is set to be a welcome boost for Peel’s men.

As is the reappearance of club skipper James Newsam, who has been on loan at National League Two side Taunton for three weeks ahead of a permanent move next term.

But despite his squad’s injury problems, Peel remains upbeat going into the final five matches of the Southern Counties South campaign.

He said: “You have to cope with the hand you have been dealt and, while it would be easy to complain about being unlucky with injuries, I cannot praise the players enough for the continued commitment, and I am sure we are due some good fortune.

“North Dorset will be a tough nut to crack and despite losing to them earlier in the season the scoreline did not reflect how close the game really was.

“We need to put in a disciplined performance and if we do we could spring a surprise.”

Dorchester have only won one of their last eight fixtures, and that was a walkover against Corsham when the visitors couldn’t raise a side.

League leaders Swanage & Wareham travel to Corsham after suffering their first defeat of the season last time out.

In Dorset & Wilts Two South, Weymouth & Portland go to Swanage & Wareham Seconds, Bridport host Bournemouth Thirds, Puddletown visit North Dorset Thirds and Dorchester Seconds are away to New Milton Seconds.

Dorchester skipper Tom Evans is looking to get back to winning ways after losing to East Dorset, however, his side are the only team to score four tries against the leaders this season.

Elsewhere, Weymouth & Portland Seconds welcome Dorset Dockers Seconds to Monmouth Avenue in Three South, and in Dorset & Wilts Four, Dorchester Thirds host Lytchett Minster Seconds in a game that could go a long way to deciding the title, while Weymouth & Portland Thirds visit Wincanton.

All games kick-off at 2.30pm.