STUART Heath is backing his players to produce the goods in tomorrow’s top-of-the-table tussle at Hamworthy Recreation in the Magna Dorset Premier League (2pm).

The Portland United boss, whose side currently sit seven points clear of the reigning champions having played two games more, told Echosport: “Hamworthy Recreation have been the most consistent team over the last two seasons and have deserved to win the title but it is up to teams like us to try and take it off them.

“They have a strong squad and are the best team we have faced this season. We beat them 1-0 on that occasion but the game could have gone either way and I think we are going to have to play even better tomorrow if we are to do the same.

“However, I am sure the players will rise to the occasion. These are the types of games they want to be involved in and they are the ones that you have to produce your best in if you want to win titles.

“It will be interesting to see how the boys cope but we had a good balance of rest and training over the Christmas break and I know they are ready and raring to go once again.”

Chris Reader and Adam Linaker are both doubts with slight hamstring injuries while Ben Doidge is unavailable due to his upcoming travel plans.

Heath added: “It is a shame we will not have Ben for the rest of the season because he has been fantastic for us. We will certainly miss him although I do feel we have got the players to come in and do a good job in his absence.”

The Blues are still looking to strengthen their ranks with Matt White being linked with a return to action.

Heath said: “Hopefully Matt will come back and play for us at some point in January or February. He is back fit now and it is just a case of work commitments.

“We have also identified two or three other players we would like to bring in but we have to be patient on those.

“We have a lot of quality here but it is a small squad and it is important we are wary of potential unavailabilities and suspensions in the weeks ahead.”

Maurice Welch is facing a huge selection headache ahead of Chickerell United’s clash against Blandford United (2pm).

The Chickens, who won 5-1 at Sturminster Marshall on New Year’s Eve, will be without Rob Hinton and Dan Welch for the Weymouth College encounter, and with fellow centre-back Scott Henley a doubt it is clear the wary boss has a lot to ponder.

Welch said: “I am hoping Scott will be back in time but we will just have to wait and see. If he isn’t then it will leave us a bit stuck in that area against a Blandford side that is currently on a fine run of form.

“They beat Poole Borough 6-3 last Saturday and will be coming into the game on a huge high so we know we are going to be in for a tough game.”

The Royals have lost just one of their last eight league games, in which they have racked up 19 points and scored a whopping 31 goals, including 21 in their last four.

Despite that run though, they still only lie 11th in the table, seven points adrift of the Chickens, who sit sixth.

Bridport Reserves also face a huge proposition in unbeaten high-fliers Wincanton Town (2pm).

The Bees have won their last eight in all competitions but manager Steve Crabb is under no illusions about the task ahead.

He said: “They are the only unbeaten side left so we know it is going to be a very difficult game, but we will go there full of confidence and hopefully we can give a good account of ourselves.”

The Bees will also have to make changes with Adam Stordy, Roger Cummings, Ashley Clarke, Russell Legg and Darren Lock all ruled out through suspension.

Finally, Weymouth Reserves will be hoping for a happy homecoming at the Bob Lucas Stadium as they entertain Merley Cobham Sports (2pm).

The Terras last played a league match in front of their own fans on October 15, mainly due to first-team commitments taking precedence.

Joint-boss Jake Richmond said: “I am thinking of drawing all the lads a map with directions to the ground because it has been two-and-a-half months since we played there.

“It is quite incredible really and I am just hoping we can put in a good performance on our return.

“We beat Merley 3-1 earlier in the season with probably our best display of the campaign so far, so hopefully we can produce something similar and start the year as we mean to go on.”

Carl Mutch and Rob Maxted are both doubts for Weymouth but Ricky Lane and recent signings Jamie Perry and Matt Head are all expected to be in contention. The Terras may also be boosted by a couple of first-team squad players.