DORCHESTER will again attempt to derail a Dorset Premier League title contender’s challenge tomorrow, and captain Simon Mitchem fully believes his men are capable of doing it.

With their status in the top tier virtually assured for next season, the county town side go to Poole (1pm) knowing they can afford to play with a greater degree of freedom.

The hosts, league champions last season, are locked in what now appears to be a three-way battle for first place with leaders Sherborne and second-placed Broadstone.

Sherborne head the standings on 221 points with five games left, while Broadstone sit nine behind them and Poole are a further five in arrears.

Dorchester have no James Dunham, Dan Morris or Pete Phillips to call on this weekend but Sean Fitzgerald returns and Ian Legg and Will Channon move up from the seconds.

“It was a really close game at their place earlier in the season,” said Mitchem. “I was disappointed we didn’t get over the line considering we how well we played.

“Even though we are probably not going to go down we want to try and win as many games as we can.

“There isn’t that much pressure on us because when we go to sides at the top of the league we’re not expected to win.

“But I definitely think we’ve got the potential to cause an upset so we’ll see how it goes.”

The form of Dorchester’s second XI, who entertain Wimborne & Colehill Thirds in County Division Three tomorrow, has been a big plus for Mitchem.

And he is looking forward to having Legg and Channon in the side tomorrow.

“We can play with a greater sense of freedom now and it’s a good chance for the lads coming in,” he added.

“Ian scored 88 not out last week and has earned his place with us.

“Will has been playing very well and hopefully he can stay in the team for the rest of the season.

“The seconds are on the march in their division and looking for promotion.

“Stuart Beasley is leading from the front and it makes it easier for players to come into our side if the seconds are going well.

“We’re trying to bring in players from the youth system and the club is in a good place.”

Also in the Premier League, Martinstown visit Stalbridge, while the former’s second team host Charlton Down in Division Five.

Dorchester: Caldwell, Fitzgerald, Mitchem (c), Belt, Legg, Evans, Channon, Roe, Little, Foot, Horne.

Dorchester 1st XI match ball sponsor: The Dorset Wine Company