MAURICE Welch believes now is the ideal time for his Chickens to push on in the Magna Dorset Premier League.

After an indifferent start to the campaign, Chickerell United finally appear to be getting their act together following three successive victories.

The first two, against Wareham Rangers and Sherborne Town Reserves, were expected but Welch is hoping last weekend’s Dorset Senior Cup triumph at perennial heavyweights Holt United will now give his men the belief they have been lacking.

The United boss, whose side currently sit sixth, said: “We’ve got Blandford United at home tomorrow (3pm) and then Shaftesbury Town away after that.

“These are the games you target as you like to think you can pick up points from them to push yourself up towards the top end of the table.

“We should also have four or five coming back into the squad tomorrow but after last weekend’s performance at Holt, they know they are going to have fight for their places.”

Portland United are the side currently setting the pace in the division despite only sitting second.

The Blues have the same amount of points as table-toppers Hamworthy Recreation but hold two games in hand.

However, manager Chris Wilson is determined to keep his players’ feet firmly on the ground.

Looking ahead to his side’s trip to seventh-placed Parley (3pm), he said: “They have made a very good start to the season but so have we so it should be another interesting encounter.

“We should also have a few more players back knocking on my door which is exactly what I want.

“The lads are an honest group and they want competition for places as it keeps them fighting for the shirt. One thing that can undo you when you are going well is complacency but I’ve certainly not seen that from anyone.”

Another side displaying good form at present is Bridport Reserves, who hammered seven without reply past Merley Cobham Sports just last week.

The Bees host Hamworthy United Reserves this weekend (3pm) and boss Robin Townsend is keen to see the momentum continue.

He said: “It’s another home game and hopefully we can put on another good performance.

“They beat us 4-1 after extra-time in the Dorset Premier League Cup earlier this season so we know they are a good side.

“Having said that though, we felt that result was a little unjust and hopefully this time we can do better.

“If we play like we did last week then we will stand a good chance.

“We will certainly be going into it full of confidence.”

Weymouth Reserves will also be out to seal back-to-back wins at home to Sherborne Town Reserves (3pm).

The Terras snatched a late winner to beat Tintinhull 3-2 last Saturday and with Jamie Beasley and Matt Head expected to return this weekend hopes are high for another successful afternoon.

Joint-boss Jake Richmond said: “My co-boss Nick Bennett is back this week along with Jamie and Matt but whether those two are in the squad we will just have to see.

“The youngsters have been involved three weeks in a row and have done very well but they can become complacent and we need to look at that – it may be a case where we look to freshened things up a bit.”