Hollins hopeful despite doubts

9:27am Saturday 15th March 2008

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WEYMOUTH manager John Hollins is sweating on the fitness of several players ahead of tomorrow's televised clash at play-off contenders Burton Albion (6pm).

On-loan defender Magnus Oku-onghae suffered a shoulder injury in Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Farsley Celtic and is a doubt while a couple more are struggling with stomach bugs, including keeper Stephen Henderson.

The Terras have claimed four points from their last two Blue Square Premier outings but still remain one point adrift of safety.

Hollins will no doubt be casting a keen eye over the outcome of this afternoon's fixtures, which will see fellow strugglers Farsley and Altrincham try and gain points at Salisbury City and Grays Athletic respectively.

Hollins said: "Everyone else is playing today and it will be interesting to see how they get on but like I have said before all we can worry about is what we do.

"We need to concentrate on being consistent. We have taken four points from our last two at home and what we have to do now is try and get the same from the next two away games. That is progress.

"We have also kept two successive clean sheets and if we do that again tomorrow we will at worst come away with a point.

"There is a bit of a flu bug going around and we have told the ones that have been affected to stay away as a precaution.

"Magnus is also a doubt but Trevor Challis is fit despite suffering mild concussion in the game against Farsley. As for Marcus Browning, he is continuing to come along quite nicely but it is important that we do not bring him back too early."

Burton have claimed 32 points from a possible 48 at the Pirelli Stadium so far this season and currently sit in the last play-off berth on goal difference.

With the picture likely to have changed come 5pm this afternoon Nigel Clough's men will no doubt be as keen as Weymouth to pick up some valuable points.

Former Terra Tony James is unlikely to feature for the Brewers due to suspected tonsillitis but experienced forward Daryl Clare will be involved. The 29-year-old has netted 20 goals in all competitions already this campaign.

Hollins said: "The only fear attached to going up there is that they will hit the form that is got them to where they are at the moment.

"But like I said we have just got to continue playing the same way as we have done in the last two games, showing 100 per cent commitment and working hard all the time.

"If we could put another good performance on and come away with a positive result then it would lift the players' shoulders that little bit higher and that is what we are after."

The Terras have looked a lot more solid in their last two encounters but they are still lacking goals. Hollins now wants to see his strikers be more ruthless in the box.

He added: "We are getting our crosses in a lot earlier now and it is now up to people to throw something at them and get on the end of them. If we can do that then I am confident things will lift even more."

Live coverage of tomorrow's encounter will start at 5.30pm on Setanta Sports One.

On-loan defender Moses Swaibu has left the Wessex Stadium and returned to Crystal Palace.