CHICKERELL United chief Steve Coward has urged his side to be at their best when they travel to title rivals Holt United tomorrow (3pm).

The Chickens were left kicking their heels after their clash with Dorchester Sports was postponed last week, and while he was left frustrated by his teamnot being in action, Coward is chomping at the bit to pit his wits against an outfit he believes is one of the main dangers to his side’s league challenge.

“The result on the day is the most important one of the season for us,” he told Echosport.

“You know they are going to be strong and they have a good team, but if we can be solid at the back and limit them to as few chances as we can, hopefully we can take ours.

“I think it will be a very even game but if I have players who are on form on the day we will be fine.

“Our lads will need to be on their A-game. If they aren’t they will get punished because Holt are a side that will punish you.

“They come from the DPL and obviously have players who can play at that level.

“Once we saw them come into this league we knew that they were always going to be the side to challenge.

“They have had a DPL side for so many years and they are very consistent with their results, and if they do get beaten it’s never by too many.“ Holt go into the contest in sparkling form after romping to an 11-0 win over Portland United Reserves last weekend.

Warren White was at the double for the Chickens when they overcame United earlier in the season, though Steve Welch will be unavailable for selection this time around.

Coward claimed: “We are one of the few teams who have beaten them and they had a good side out that day.”

Elsewhere, league leaders Balti House will be looking to put pressure on those below them as they bid for victory in their penultimate league outing of the campaign at South Cheriton United (3pm).

A win could see Marco Nott’s men extend their advantage at the top to 10 points should the Chickens fall to defeat. Hosts South Cheriton played out a goalless draw with Corfe Mullen United last weekend.

Dorchester Sports are set to host Sturminster Newton United, while Piddletrenthide Spartans are at home to Gillingham Town Reserves.

Spartans, who fell to a 4-2 defeat against Holt last time out, could move to within two points of the top three this weekend.