DORCHESTER Town boss Steve Thompson is respectful of the quality possessed by Dorset rivals Poole Town ahead of their Evo-Stik Southern Premier South clash at the Black Gold Stadium tonight (7.45pm).

The Magpies warmed up for the clash with an excellent 1-1 draw at leaders Taunton Town, although Thompson was sent to the stands for protesting against decisions made by referee Lee Roberts.

Dorchester have already met the Dolphins this season, losing out 4-2 on penalties as a weakened Poole side held the hosts to a 1-1 draw at the Clayson Stadium in the City Security Services League Challenge Cup.

With the experience of that defeat, Thompson is wary of the difficulty of facing Tom Killick’s men, who last season were relegated from the National League South.

Speaking to Echosport, he said: “It’s another derby, which is good for crowds. It’s another game, they keep coming thick and fast – too thick and fast for my liking.

“It’s a different game. I felt we dominated that game, but Poole did make a few changes.

“They’ll have a different team out than what was played that night, so it’ll be a very tough game.

“Poole are a side that have played a level higher for the last year or two – a lot of those players are still there.

“I’ve got to put a lot of thought into it, we’ve got two extremely difficult away games now.

“No games are easy. It’s a hard run, four on the spin away, but we’ve done alright so far. We’ve won the first and drawn the second against the league leaders.

“We had a good run of away form prior to (the Met Police) defeat when we won (three) on the spin. I wouldn’t say we’re over-confident but we’ll go into it knowing that we’re performing quite well away from home.”

After the Taunton draw, Thompson praised goalscorer and Bournemouth loanee Brennan Camp for a superb start to his spell at Dorchester.

He said: “He’s doing really well, it’s great to have him. It was a massive blow when we lost Josh Bailey and we had to find a replacement quickly.

“Brennan’s come in and done very well, we’re very pleased with him and long may it continue.”

Dorchester are again set to be light on midfielders, with Luke Winsper (unavailable) and Harry Kite (ankle) absentees, although Ollie Griggs is in contention. Defender Ross Carmichael could also return to playing action after being an unused substitute at Taunton.

Thompson said: “I’m 99 per cent sure Harry’s unavailable. I had (Ross) on the bench. It was 10 days post hamstring injury and that’s very quick.

“He was there in case of emergencies and I’m pleased we got through without me having to throw him on.”

Tonight’s clash will see supporters from both sides segregated after advice given by Dorset Police.