DORCHESTER Sports’ boss Ashley James hopes his side can avoid previous maulings at free-scoring Merley Cobham Sports ahead of their clash in the Dorset Premier League tomorrow (2pm).

James’ men have been thrashed 7-1 and 5-1 by Merley in consecutive away trips.

But with the Clayson Stadium outfit taking a near full-strength side to Merley Park, James is optimistic regarding a change in result.

He told Echosport: “It’s probably the toughest place to go, them and probably Ham Rec.

“To be fair, after our last two trips there it’s definitely our hardest. It;s been 7-1 and 5-1 – (they are) the biggest defeats we’ve had away from home in the last two seasons.

“But we’ve always gone there with a weaker squad towards the end of the season. Luckily, we seem to have everyone available.

“The reserves don’t have a game so we’ll be taking a full, strong squad and hopefully we can put on a better performance than the last two years.”

Jamie West and Brandon Heal are the only absentees for Sports, who are still searching for a first win since December 1 courtesy of a 3-0 victory over Sturminster Newton United.

Meanwhile, a Dorset Premier League XI will face a Dorset Football League XI at Cockrams on Wednesday, February 20 (7.45pm).