WEYMOUTH Sports co-caretaker manager Steve Alcock has admitted that it is very unlikely that the club will be playing Dorset Premier League football next season.

The Seasiders, who have already wrapped up runners-up spot in the Senior League, have submitted an application for promotion but Alcock reckons it would be a case of too much too soon.

Speaking after his side’s 5-3 defeat at champions Parley Sports, Alcock said: “I think it is safe to say we will not be going up.

“An application has been submitted but I don’t think we are ready on the playing side to make such a step and the chairman Mark Richards also needs more support in the backroom.

“I think it is Mark’s desire for us to go up but in my mind it would be right and prudent of us to have another season in the Senior League.

“It is important that when we do go up we do it in the right way with the right infrastructure.

“Just look at Chickerell United because they are the blueprint for it in my opinion. They have taken their time to get things right and just look at how they are now performing in their first season at Dorset Premier level.”

When asked whether he will take permanent charge of the Seasiders alongside Mark Nicholson next season, Alcock added: “We are still talking about that. Mark Nicholson and I are hoping to still be in charge but we are still waiting for that to be finalised.

“I am pretty confident most of the squad will stay and if we can add a few more to that then hopefully we can go on and win the Senior League and be better prepared to go up next time around.”

Weymouth Sports put up a good fight against Parley at Christchurch Road despite both sides only having pride to play for with their respective positions in the league already secure.

The hosts went ahead twice only to be pegged back by goals from Sam Culpin and Andy Cleal as the Seasiders battled hard without the services of Marcus Biles, Jason Thoday and the suspended Derek Puckett.

The open nature of the contest continued but it was Parley that took more of their chances and they were soon sitting pretty at 5-2 ahead.

Ben Macconachie then pulled another goal back for the visitors with 10 minutes remaining but they were unable to reduce the deficit any further despite mounting some late pressure.

On target for Parley were hat-trick hero Mark Pearsall, Steve Lee and Jesse Hodgson. Alcock said: “Despite suffering back-to-back defeats in our last two games, we have had a great season overall and the lads can be very proud of their achievements.”

Sports: Bickerstaff, St Walker, Sc Walker, Alcock, Laidlow (Sharpe 75), Macconachie, Culpin (Nicholson 65), Pattison, Hallett, Rolls, Cleal.

* Weymouth Sports complete their campaign tonight with a trip to Stourpaine (6.30pm) where Derek Puckett is expected to return from suspension.