DORCHESTER Sports’ boss Ashley James believes his players will rise to the occasion should Sherborne Town Reserves play a strengthened side in their meeting tomorrow (3pm).

The Zebras, currently 16th, upset the odds by beating fourth-placed Gillingham 5-2 on Wednesday and James is wary of Sherborne repeating the trick in their Dorset Premier League clash.

While James did not accuse the Zebras of dropping first-teamers into their side against Gillingham, James revealed the tactic is widely used – including at Sports.

He told Echosport: “If their game at Warminster is called off for their first team, of course there’s no reason why they shouldn’t (drop players). It’s there to be used.

“You’re always going to get it. We do it with our reserves, so it’s only fair.

“Again, we’re more up for it when this happens. There’ll be no problem on our part if this happens.

“We’ll be ready to go and hopefully get another good win.

“I see they beat Gillingham 5-2 in the league, which is another great result for us considering Gillingham are just in front of us – now we’ve got a couple of games in hand.

“It’s going to be another tough game if they’re able to put five goals past Gillingham. Weather permitting, hopefully we can get another good result.”

Sports will be without unavailable trio Ash Smith, Pat Thomas and Jamie West, while Dan Peart (hip) is a major doubt.

Midfielder Darren Watts returns.