DORCHESTER Town boss Steve Thompson has doubts about the weather and the fitness of Luke Winsper and Chris Weale ahead of the Magpies’ trip to Tiverton Town in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division.

Heavy rain is forecast throughout today, while midfielder Winsper and goalkeeper Weale are still struggling with knocks picked up during the 4-3 loss to Kettering on Tuesday night.

But Dorchester will be able to call on the services of defender Ross Carmichael.

Dorchester’s left-sided centre-back will serve a one-match ban for his sending off against Kettering in the following game, should the Tiverton match survive the weather, while Tom Blair and Callum Rose should be available after sustaining minor niggles in midweek.

The Magpies’ home tussle with St Neots on Saturday was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, and speaking to Echosport before the Tiverton clash, Thompson admitted he was unsure on the availability of Winsper and Weale.

He said: “Luke and Chris would not have been available (against St Neots) and they’re 50/50. Obviously the game must be in doubt, but there’s nothing we can do about that.

“Tom and Callum have both trained, so that shouldn’t be an issue. (Carmichael’s availability) is good for us, but if the game is off then he will be banned for the next game. These are things we can’t control, so we’ll see.”

He added: “Goalkeeper is a specialist position and we don’t have an experienced number two.

“We can’t control the weather and things like suspensions and injuries depend on that weather, whether they are available to play.”

On Friday, Archie Collins was recalled to parent club Exeter City, and Thompson paid tribute to the teenager, who he believes can go on to become a professional.

He said: “Archie has been terrific for us. He’s a good player and I can understand why Exeter want him back.

“He’s shown he’s got a good career ahead of him as a professional. He still needs to keep working and I’m sure he will. I’m sure he’s got a very good future.

“He can play in one of four positions - there’s not many players who can do that. He looks equally good in central midfield or wide midfield, that’s a sign of a clever player and he’s very laid back and gets on with his job.

“I’m very disappointed that he’s not going to be with us.”