DORCHESTER Town boss Callum Brooks described the Magpies’ Evo-Stik Southern Premier South clash with Salisbury tomorrow (3pm) as the “most difficult” of his tenure to date.

Brooks’ men are seeking to avoid the drop from a congested bottom half of the table, with six points bridging Merthyr in 13th to Gosport in 20th – the first relegation spot.

They face a fourth-placed Salisbury side destined for the play-offs – although the Wiltshire outfit will realistically chase second or third plus home advantage as leaders Weymouth are 11 points ahead with 12 to play for.

Speaking to Echosport, Brooks admitted he is relishing the task of pitting his wits against the high-flying Whites.

He said: “On paper it’s the most difficult game (since becoming boss) if you’re going on league position.

“They’re all big games, to be honest. They’re the kind of games I especially look forward to so I’m sure the players feel the same.

“We’re going to have a go at the game. We’ve been bright again this week. It’s in front of our home supporters and we know that three points would pretty much see us safe.

“It would be nice, rather than relying on other results, to go after it. We’d like to make ourselves safe by claiming three points sooner rather than later.”

Dorchester fans will be well-acquainted with Whites’ boss Steve Claridge, the prolific striker having played and managed arch-rivals Weymouth across three spells.

Brooks also downplayed his match-up with Claridge, insisting he had faced plenty of high-profile management staff during his time at Poole in the National League South.

He said: “It’s a good opportunity and obviously makes you realise you’re working at a reasonable level.

“I’ve been involved in games in the (National League) South against well-respected coaches.

“Coaches make changes tactically at this level, players change tactically, so they’re big tests but ones I relish.

“Usually, I concentrate on my team and what we do. I won’t be looking across too much at who I’m facing.

“I’ll be mixed up in making sure my lads are alright. Any help I can give them during the game that’s what they need from me.

“On our day I feel we’ve got a group that can compete with anyone. We’ve got no fear – we’re going to have a go at the game.”

He added: “It’s about the bigger picture for us. We’re a lot closer to safety than we were six games ago.

“Some people may feel that we’ve got enough points but I feel we need another win to guarantee safety. We’ll be going handbrake off to register the three points.”

Ross Carmichael (knee) is the only injury absentee, with Brooks expected to pick the same 16 players that travelled to Hendon.