JAKE Richmond insists Weymouth Reserves are “massive underdogs” for their Dorset Premier League Cup semi-final at the Bob Lucas Stadium tomorrow.

Terras boss Richmond is in no doubt that opponents Hamworthy Recreation start the last-four tie as big favourites to reach the final.

The reward for the winners will be a showdown with either Sherborne Town Reserves or Mere Town, who play next Saturday.

Weymouth are arguably in the better form of the two teams with victories in each of their last five games.

In fact, they have only lost once in 16 league and cup outings since slipping to a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Hamworthy last October.

That said, Hamworthy are still very much in the hunt for silverware on two fronts this term.

As well as the cup, they sit second in the league, three points worse off than leaders Merley but with a game in hand.

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s clash, Richmond said: “Make no bones about it, we are massive underdogs.

“They have got a brilliant side and set-up for the standard we are playing at, and they’re chasing a league and cup double.

“It’s going to be a big ask for us, but we’ll give it a go, and the way we’ve been playing you never know what might happen.

“They might have an off day and if they do we’ll look to take advantage.”

He added: “The bottom line for us is that we are trying to get players into the first-team squad.

“Our goal is to get one or two lads in the first team every season, our results are secondary.”

Meanwhile, Portland United can move to within one point of Hamworthy in the league standings with a home win over Parley Sports, while Bridport Reserves travel to Swanage Town & Herston.

There is a derby at Blandford Recreation Ground where the Royals entertain Sturminster Marshall.

Bradley Asagba’s men are likely to be without Ryan Reeves (ankle), Kieron Mulvey (unavailable) and Ashley Ayley (thigh), but Craig Michie should be back.

“We go into this game carrying some momentum,” said Asagba. “This game is equally as big as the last for us, and with the games we have coming up it is a must-win, not to mention the fact it is a derby.

“It will again be a barometer of our progress, as by all accounts they gave Westland a really tough afternoon last week, so they are more than capable of turning us over irrespective of the fact they are bottom of the league.”

All games kick-off at 3pm.