DORCHESTER and Poole renew acquaintances at the Avenue tonight as the Dorset rivals play out the second of three meetings between the two sides in a matter of weeks.

This evening’s Red Insure Cup clash (7.45pm) is the meat in an Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division sandwich.

The teams lock horns again in the league next Tuesday after a scoreless draw at Tatnam last month.

County town boss Mark Jermyn, who returned from Poole to manage the Magpies at the start of the year, is expected to go with a mix of youth and experience for the first round tie, which is again set to feature several players who have links with both clubs.

Poole go into tonight’s showdown on the back of an FA Cup victory at Hastings on Saturday, while Dorchester, without a game at the weekend, have been licking their wounds following a 4-1 defeat by Slough a week ago.

“We weren’t quite right against Slough and that was clear for everyone to see,” said Magpies first-team coach Stuart Heath.

“We had a few days at the weekend to step back and assess where the players are physically and mentally.

“The match against Poole is good for some who need game time, while for others it’s a chance to recharge the batteries a bit.

“We certainly won’t be taking the game lightly, it’s a cup competition after all, and we want to do well in everything we enter.

“Realistically, we know our league position is our top priority this season, but we will treat the cup with respect.”

Dorchester youngsters Ryan Ross and Sam Old are set to be involved tonight, Nathan Walker is available after suspension, Matt Oldring is banned and Jake Smeeton is still sidelined with a fractured finger.