STUART Heath believes there has been a change of mentality in the way the Dorchester Town squad have battled with Weymouth this season, which has stood the Magpies in good stead.

Victory at the Avenue back in August, coupled with securing a dramatic late draw at the Bob Lucas Stadium on Boxing Day, means the county town club go into tonight’s Dorset Senior Cup semi-final between the sides at Weymouth (7.45pm) with a good record this term.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, first-team coach Heath said: “I think the mentality has slightly changed from last season.

“Last season when we played Weymouth the mentality felt different in terms of our ambitions in the games and our approach.

“This season we have got a lot of pride back in the black and white shirt.

"I think the players have represented it fantastically well and I think the supporters have recognised that.

“That showed in the second half against Weymouth on Boxing Day.”

Charlie Davis is still suspended and injured for tonight’s cup clash, Neil Martin and Oakley Hanger are out through injury. Both Toby Holmes and Luke Holmes are cup tied.

On tonight’s clash, Heath added: “In terms of our priorities it’s not really at the top but it will be tonight when it comes to kick-off time.

“It’s a semi-final and a chance to win a trophy, which is what you play football for.

“It’s a good chance for other players to come in and show they have got the right ability and mentality to play for Dorchester, not just tonight, but for next season as well.”