DORCHESTER Town boss Steve Thompson is expecting a retaliation from Kettering Town when the two sides meet at Latimer Park in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division tomorrow (3pm).

Thompson’s men handed Kettering their biggest defeat of the season in all competitions when dismissing them 4-1 at the Avenue Stadium in November.

But with Kettering sitting comfortably in the play-off places, some 15 places above Dorchester who lie 19th, the Magpies’ manager believes the “aggrieved” Poppies will pose a difficult task for his side.

He told Echosport: “It’s a tricky game on paper. (The 4-1) was a good game but that was then, this is now. That game doesn’t have any bearing on this game.

“In fact, if anything, they will be aggrieved that they had their biggest beating of the season. They would want to have a bit of revenge.

“They are going for the play-offs because it looks like Hereford

n continued on page 45

are steaming ahead in the battle for the stop spot.”

With the season ticking down, Thompson is aiming to emulate Kettering’s league position next season.

He said: “I think where I want to get to and the other parts of the management team is that we want to be a part of it – it’s not stopping everyone else. You want to be one of those teams yourself.

“I’m used to challenging at the top of the table. Although we can’t go down it’s much nicer to be at the other end.”

Dorchester have one selection problem in Ashley Pope, who is currently in Italy with the Bournemouth Academy setup.

Thompson said: “Ash is in Italy and it’s a difficult one. He’s not getting back until 10.30pm (today) in Stansted and he’s playing (today). I think it’s asking a lot.

“I’ve got to look at this weather situation and decide whether I ask Bournemouth if he could be available or not. What I don’t want is to kill the lad.

“He’s played two games and to play a game (tomorrow) is asking a lot. I certainly wouldn’t want to put him in danger of injury or burn out.”

Thompson also revealed the Magpies will train tomorrow should the match fall foul of the current inclement weather.