WEYMOUTH manager David Oldfield insists the Terras must face up to the sizeable task awaiting them when Dagenham & Redbridge visit the Bob Lucas Stadium tonight (7.45pm).

Oldfield picked up a point in his first game at the helm on Saturday, earning a creditable 1-1 draw at Boreham Wood.

Dagenham represent an equally difficult assignment, having led the Vanarama National League table for a concerted spell this season, although they now lie eighth.

Ahead of the game, Oldfield stressed the need for Weymouth to keep improving as they chip away at an eight-point gap to safety.

Speaking to Echosport, he said: “Dagenham & Redbridge is another huge challenge, but to be honest they all are.

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“The one after that (Aldershot) is going to be massive and the one after (Yeovil) is huge as well.

“We have to face it up and make sure we prepare as well as we can. Apologies for being cautious and repeating that mantra.

“We’ve done well (at Boreham Wood) but it’s a point and we need to move on. If we think we’ve done anywhere near enough, it’s absolutely not.

“We need to get back to work, recover and prepare as much as we can. We look forward to the challenge.”

He added: “We certainly have to do that. It’s a case of making sure we know what’s required, irrespective of the result or anything else.

“We need to make sure we’re working together, hard as we can. We haven’t done enough, we have to do more, there’s no doubt.”

Oldfield’s appearance at the Bob Lucas will be his first in front of the home faithful since succeeding Brian Stock as manager last week.

Club legend John Waldock has already issued a rallying cry to the Terras’ supporters to back the team this week – and Oldfield repeated the importance of that message.

He said: “The fans were fantastic (on Saturday), gave us really big support. It was great to see.

“I’m thankful to people for making the journey, I know myself it’s a long journey from the South West.

“To see people support us was fantastic but we’re very much looking forward to getting down to (tonight’s) game. We’re going to need the fans, there’s no doubt.

“There are a few things that are absolutely categorical. We have to work harder, we must do better, we need the fans and we really appreciate their support for us.”

Midfielder Omar Mussa continues to be assessed after a medical incident in the draw at Boreham Wood which caused the suspension of play.

Elsewhere, striker Ben Thomson (groin) could make his 250th Terras appearance after appearing in Saturday’s warm-up, while Brad Ash (ankle) is still a doubt.

Andy Robinson, Josh Leslie-Smith and Ahkeem Rose are all vying for a recall to the matchday squad.

Oldfield admitted Weymouth had picked up some “knocks and bruises” at Boreham Wood but is hopeful of picking from a near fully-fit squad.