STEVE Fletcher is urging his Cherries team-mates to maintain their quest for automatic promotion by exorcising the ghost of their Torquay torment.

Fletcher had just hit the comeback trail when Cherries were ripped apart on the English Riviera as the rampant Gulls handed out a 4-0 mauling at Plainmoor in October.

And the popular 30-year-old Teessider is hoping Cherries can redress the balance when they host their Division Three rivals at Dean Court tomorrow (3pm kick-off).

Fletcher said: "It seems a while ago now, but it's one of those games which sticks in your mind because it was such a horrible night and 4-0 probably flattered us really because it could have been seven or eight.

"The chances they had and the way we played was probably on a par with York last week and we've got to put it right because we don't like anybody doing the double over us.

"I'm sure Sean and Peter will remind us about what happened that night at Plainmoor and we've got to make sure it never happens again. At this stage of the season, we can't afford to drop three points anyway.

"Our professional pride took a serious dent that night and as a team we were all over the place. It was a nightmare display and a bit like Peterborough last season because every time they attacked, they looked like they were going to score.

"We need to win our home games because it's not happening for us away at the moment. It's going to be a tough game, but I know what happened at their place will give us the kick we need."

Fourth-placed Cherries will be looking to keep their promotion push on track when they step out against the Gulls bidding to extend their unbeaten home league run to 16 games. And Sean O'Driscoll's side will also be hoping to make it six home wins on the trot.

But Fletcher has warned his team-mates not to underestimate the South Devon outfit and insists Cherries must guard again complacency at fortress Fitness First.

He added: "We can't take anything for granted. We don't just come out for home games and think we are definitely going to win or get something out of the game.

"Sometimes when you are not playing well, it's work rate, commitment and effort that get your through and that's what has happened in the games when we haven't played particularly well.

"But you can count them on one hand and I don't think our home supporters can really complain this season. I think we've played some fantastic football and got some great results. Maybe it's to be expected because we are in a lower division, but we still have to go out there and do it.

"It's our away performances that have let us down and that's got to change. It's up to us to take that third place by the scruff. If we can win our last four home games and three away, we'll be promoted."

Fletcher could face a late fitness test on a nagging knee problem which has been troubling him recently, while his namesake Carl Fletcher is rated as very doubtful due to a back injury. Both players sat out training yesterday.

However, Jason Tindall and Warren Feeney both came through unscathed against Orient in midweek and look set to keep their places, while Wade Elliott has also returned to full training after recovering from a knee injury.

Cherries: (from) Moss, Tindall, C Fletcher, Buxton, S Purches, Cummings, Browning, O'Connor, Hayter, S Fletcher, Feeney, Holmes, Elliott, Stock, Thomas, Young.

Torquay United: (from) Van Heusden, Hazell, Woozley, Taylor, Canoville, Russell, Hockley, Fowler, Clist, Gritton, Kuffour, Woods, Graham, Hill, Benefield, Dearden.

Garreth O'Connor has been named in the Nationwide League Division Three team of the week - for the second week running. O'Connor, selected following his star performance during Cherries' 2-0 win over Darlington a fortnight ago, was picked again after his impressive midweek display against Orient.