DORCHESTER Town boss Glenn Howes has hailed tomorrow’s opponents Weston-super-Mare as a “fantastic footballing side”.

Howes takes the Magpies to the Optima Stadium for their third Pitching In Southern League Premier South away game in a week (3pm).

While their previous two have been stern challenges, losing to Met Police and Truro, Howes expects nothing different from old Salisbury teammate Scott Bartlett’s Seagulls.

Howes told Echosport: “This is what we wanted, myself and James (Wood, assistant), why we stepped up to this level with the challenges it’s presenting us.

“They’re of a higher standard than the level below. I know Scotty’s Weston team really well. He was my old skipper at Salisbury so we know they’re a fantastic footballing side.

“It’s a nice facility so we think it will be a really entertaining game.”

READ MORE: Truro City 1-0 Dorchester Town - match report

On Bartlett, Howes said: “It’s brilliant, I had James Stokes for Wimborne a few weeks ago.

“Friendships go to one side but when the final whistle goes I know I can share an alcoholic beverage with Scott and strip the game to pieces.

“It’s nice to see other colleagues going into management and it makes things significantly easier when you deal with things off the field as well.”

Skipper Ashley Wells and Charlie Madden (both hamstring) have trained this week and could return.

Howes added: “We’ve got Ashley coming back and Charlie trained (Tuesday).

“We should have him back, so competition for places is really increasing.

“We looked to the bench and as a manager we’ve got real options in terms of having moments to change games.”