BALTI Sports boss Marco Nott has spoken of the “respect” between his side and reigning champions Holt United as they prepare to renew their Dorset Premier League rivalry tomorrow (3pm).

Sports travel to Holt in first position having played three matches more than Holt in eighth, but the hosts could pull level with Balti if they win their games in hand.

Holt also boast an unblemished home record this season and Nott is wary of the challenge they pose.

He told Echosport: “It’s never easy going there, we’ve never won there I think. There’s quite a lot of respect between the two teams.

“Last year they pipped us to the title. It should be another cracking game. The players are relishing it and we’re in really good form and we had a good result on Saturday.”

Commenting on Holt’s strengths, Nott named their consistency as a key attribute.

He said: “They’re a good all round solid team. They’ve got two good strikers who are normally up there in goals scored at the end of the year, there’s always a threat.

“They’re probably the most consistent team in the league and I’m sure it will be no different on Saturday.”

Balti go into the game without the injured Ashley Batchelor and Ricky Lane, but welcome back Jason Pearce and Phil Anderson to the side.

Nott said: “On Saturday we picked up two big injuries – Ashley and Ricky – which is a big blow, but we’ve got a good enough squad to replace them.

“Ashley will be out for six weeks, he’s twisted his knee and Ricky has picked up a hamstring injury.

“There’s plenty of cover, we’ll still go up there with a strong squad.”