FORMER Dorchester Town striker Jonah Ayunga is set to return to the Avenue Stadium when his Brighton & Hove Albion Under-21 side clash with the Magpies tonight (7.45pm).

However, this will be the least of manager Mark Jermyn’s concerns as he looks to see a better showing from his players after their narrow 3-2 victory over Blackfield & Langley on Saturday.

Jermyn told Echosport: “We expect them to be a very fit outfit.

“It gives us a chance to work on how we are going to play next season and adjust for certain games.

“We have to be hard to break down and on Saturday I don’t think we were.

“Everyone should be fresh for the game for a good run out.

“It will be a tough test and they will be a really good footballing outfit.”

Ayunga’s pathway to the first team at the county town side shows the level of trust the manager puts in his young charges and Jermyn feels this season’s recruits are better than ever.

Speaking about them, he said: “They are ready to step in.

“They’re equipping themselves really well.

“We can’t overrun them and we have to be able to manage the squad.”

After tonight’s game, the Magpies welcome a Portsmouth Development squad to the Avenue on Saturday (3pm).