BALTI Sports’ boss Marco Nott described the club’s recent Dorset Premier League schedule as “brutal” ahead of hosting free-scoring Merley Cobham Sports at Weymouth College on Saturday (2pm).

Nott’s men drew 0-0 with Westland Sports before losing 3-1 to unbeaten leaders Hamworthy Rec and now face Merley in a third consecutive game against the league’s ‘big three’.

Speaking to Echosport, Nott said: “It’s a tough run, probably the hardest three fixtures in the league.

“To play them one after the other is pretty brutal, especially at this time of the year.

“It’s obviously good to play those three sides. It means you’ve got to be up for it and on the money – if not, you get punished.

“I’m sure the fixture list will get a bit kinder in the next couple of months but we were due to play the big boys.

“We haven’t played any of the big guns at the start of the season so I knew this sort of run was going to come sooner or later.

“We’re in a good position in the league (fifth) and gaining experience all the time with the young lads, so it’s pretty positive at the moment.

“We had 19 people at training on Tuesday and only two missing through injury, so I hope they turn up on a Saturday!”

Andy Nott (ankle), Liam Taylor (hamstring) and Ryan Dovell (knee) miss out.

However, Che Curran (suspension) returns along with Ethan Devaney, Carl McClements, Charlie Kenderdine, Ricky Lane and Scott Walker.

Balti’s rivals Dorchester Sports have a bye weekend and next host Gillingham on January 18.