BALTI Sports’ boss Marco Nott believes his side has “no right” to be complacent as they prepare to line up against Bridport Reserves in the Dorset Premier League tomorrow (2pm).

Sports have won one and lost one match since the turn of the year, a 1-0 win over Sturminster Newton and a 4-3 loss at Parley.

But Nott told Echosport he feels his side is “out of nick” due to a lack of games and an inconsistent starting XI.

He said: “We’ll need to be 100 per cent up for it, you never know what to expect with reserve teams.

“We certainly won’t take them lightly. We’re so out of nick we’ve got no right to take anyone lightly.

“It’s been a long time without playing any football. We’ve got a problem with our starting XI being so different every week. It’s difficult to get any form or momentum and a settled side.”

Balti are set to be without skipper Charlie Kenderine, Phil Anderson and Josh Houghton through unavailability, but Oscar Preece, Ryan Dovell and Simon Proffit return.

Sammy Nichols remains out with a groin injury, but new signing Scott Walker could play.

On the capture of Walker from Dorset League Two side Portesham, Nott praised the defender for his leadership skills.

He said: “Scott was at Balti a long time ago then he went to the Royal Marines. I know him quite well and he’s got really good leadership skills.

“He’s a real organiser and is someone we need. He’s got a will to win and a leader on the pitch is vital at the moment.”

Meanwhile, Bridport reserves have two wins and one loss since the start of the year, with that loss coming in a 3-0 defeat to Hamworthy United Reserves last weekend.

Bridport manager Shaun Annetts hopes to stick with the same side that featured in the defeat to Hamworthy as there are no injury concerns for his side.

Annetts said: “Last season Balti Sports pushed Holt right to the end and were challenging so we know they are a good side.”

When Bridport last faced Balti in the league, in a home match at St Mary’s Field back in August, it ended in a 2-0 win for Balti with Ethan Devaney and Danny Andrews getting the goals.

Annetts said: “They are a good side and they carry a threat, we know that we have got to be at our best if we are going to get something from Saturday’s game.

“Hopefully I am able to name a similar squad to last week and the team are playing well and show great spirit, they all get on well together and they all fight for each other so we will certainly give it our best shot that’s for sure.”

CONTACT US:

t: 01305 830990

e: sport

@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @Dorsetechosport