FORMER Dorchester Town goalkeeper Simon Evans is expected to line up between the posts for Weymouth today when they take on York City at KitKat Crescent.

The Reading-born stopper, who spent two years at the Terras’ academy before moving to the Magpies in 2006, has made the 600-mile round trip with the rest of Weymouth’s patched up squad, which also includes Jordan Collins, Scott Dixon, Ryan McKechnie, Tom Richardson, Jamie Sibley and Ollie Tribe.

Terras’ boss Alan Lewer is keeping the rest of his team under wraps but it appears a few of the senior players that became free agents on Monday could also make surprise appearances, along with a couple of loanees.

Lewer said: “Gary and I worked all day yesterday trying to do everything we could to get as strong a team out as possible. But all I am willing to confirm at present is that Ryan McKechnie, Tom Richardson, Jamie Sibley, Ollie Tribe, Scott Dixon, Jordan Collins and Simon Evans have all travelled.

“We did hold a trial game on Thursday night but unfortunately there was nothing there for me.

“I fully appreciated the way all the lads came down but we play in a men’s league and those boys would just get bullied.”

Stephen Reed, Sam Cutler, Cameron Mawer and James Coutts are among those senior players who have not found clubs yet since their 14-day payment notice deadline expired.

When asked whether any of them will feature this afternoon, Lewer added: “All I will say is that the lads spent a long time yesterday thinking about it because they wanted to make sure everything was concrete.

“We also spoke with a lot of contacts at other clubs in a bid to get some loan players in.”

Lewer told Echosport last week that Peterborough United and Leicester City were both willing to offer the club players free of charge to help ease their current plight but it is unclear whether any deals have been struck.

First-team player-coach Marcus Browning, who is out with a calf injury, said: “Today’s game is going to be a massive test but hopefully we will be stronger than we were against Rushden last week with a few more experienced heads in the side, which will make a big difference.”

Due to the massive losses they suffered after the Terras’ 9-0 defeat against Rushden, bookmakers have refused to offer odds on today’s clash.

The Minstermen currently lie in 18th place in the Blue Square Premier, just one point above the relegation zone and nine adrift of Weymouth, who occupy 14th.

Meanwhile, talks are still ongoing at the Wessex Stadium with a potential investor from Devon and Browning is optimistic that a deal is close to fruition.

He added: “Hopefully, there will be no more twists and turns, and it will all be sorted by Monday. Then we will be able to come up with a budget and be able to go to clubs and try and get some players in because at the moment we do not know what we can offer.”

* The Terras’ Blue Square Premier clash at home to York City has been rearranged for next Thursday, March 5 (7.45pm).