CHAIRMAN Matt Lucas has called on Dorchester Town fans to act as the team’s “12th man” for the Boxing Day derby against Weymouth (3pm).

Lucas says everyone at the county town club needs to be “positive and united” to help Graham Kemp’s side get through the difficult period they are in.

The Magpies and Terras are preparing to meet for the third time this season, with Dorchester aiming to prevent Weymouth from winning all three encounters.

With that in mind, and his club’s poor run of form which has seen them lose their last four league matches, Lucas wants “everybody shouting for Graham and the team in a positive way” this Friday.

“It’s a difficult period for the team right now and, to be honest, confidence is low,” said Lucas.

“When you compete in games and then lose a goal in the last 10 minutes it can be very demoralising.

“As a club, we need to be positive and united to get through the position we are in.

“Three points on Boxing Day would be the best Christmas present.

“What would be great is to see everybody shouting for Graham and the team in a positive way.

“I feel we need to give Graham our support rather than add any negativity to the situation.”

He added: “It’s obviously a big game, and to a certain extent form goes out the window a little bit.

“Anything can happen in games between Dorchester and Weymouth, and we will be geared up for it.

“We all need to get behind Graham and the team and be like a 12th man.

“I honestly feel that once we get a couple of results to go our way things will be okay.”

Meanwhile, it appears that Robbie Matthews’ loan deal will not be extended for another month, with the player set to return to parent club Gosport Borough.

*Dorchester and Weymouth fans will be segregated for the derby with the Terras at the Tesco end and Magpies at the bypass end.

The main stand is ticket only, available in advance or on the day, while terrace entry is pay on the day.

Supporters wanting to use the bar should obtain a yellow entry ticket from the ticket office before going into the ground.

The lounge bar will be open to all supporters before and after the game but only home fans have access at half-time.

If the lounge is nearing its capacity, supporters will be directed to the marquee in the car park which will be open for both sets of fans.

Weymouth supporters should enter the ground via turnstile nine for the stand or turnstiles seven and eight for the terraces.

Home fans should enter the stand via turnstile 10 or designated turnstiles on the railway side of the ground.

Car parking is £2 per vehicle while First Wessex are running a special bus service on the day.

They are hoping to run buses every 30 minutes between Portland and Weymouth, and Weymouth and Dorchester.

These will operate roughly between 8.30am and 5.30pm, and the last departure from Dorchester is planned to be at 5.43pm.