“WE NEED to raise our game” is the message boss Leigh Robinson has conveyed ahead of Dorchester’s FA Cup first qualifying round tie at Christchurch tonight (7.45pm).

Robinson’s troops lost their Pitching In Southern Premier South opener 3-1 to Weston-super-Mare on Saturday.

Dorchester now face Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division side Christchurch as favourites, but Robinson is wary of the Priory upping their game with two tiers separating the sides.

The Magpies’ task is made more precarious by the lack of a replay or extra time, with the fixture set for penalties if level after 90 minutes.

He told Echosport: “My experience in the FA Cup, plenty of times I’ve played teams a league or two below and they always play miles above themselves.

“That’s the nature of cup football. We need to be aware of that and we need to raise our game.

“Also, it’s changed a little bit because it’s straight to penalties. That changes the dynamic as well.

“A hundred per cent, it will be a tricky night. If our lads aren’t up for it and don’t improve on the ball, we’re going to have a problem.

“If we can get through the prize money will be very welcome.”

Dorchester’s only injury concern is striker Emile Ngoy (knee).