WEYMOUTH will battle to keep their chances of making the play-offs alive when they face off with Dorset rivals Poole Town at the Bob Lucas Stadium this evening (7.45pm).

Despite their inferior goal difference to those above them in the standings, victory for the Terras would see them go level on points with fifth-placed St Neots, giving them a fighting chance of finishing in the top-five at Biggleswade Town on Saturday.

Realising the magnitude of the task, player-manager Jason Matthews has called for his side to show their character against the title-chasing Dolphins.

“It’s a must-win game and they don’t come much tougher than Poole,” he told Echosport.

“We just need to go out there and play with no fear.

“We got our passing game back a little bit on Saturday and pressed the ball well. I will be trying to make sure the boys do that tonight.

“I think it’s a good thing that we have a derby against Poole now because it gives the boys a little bit of an extra incentive.”

The last time the two teams tussled, Alec Fiddes’ extra-time winner sealed the spoils for the Terras in the Dorset Senior Cup, although the Dolphins cruised to a 4-0 victory in league action at Tatnam earlier in the campaign.

Commenting on Poole, who can put themselves in the box seat to seal the crown before they take on Corby in a title showdown on Saturday, Matthews added: “It has taken Tom (Killick) a long time to build that side and they are up there for a reason.

“But you never know what’s going to happen, and it’s up to us to give ourselves a chance in the last game of the season.”

Weymouth are set to name an unchanged squad for tonight’s encounter.

  • Former Terras' manager Steve Claridge has also indicated on national radio that he may be in attendance for tonight's game.