BOBBY Wilkinson insists he will field a strong Weymouth side to face rivals Dorchester Town in the Dorset Senior Cup semi-finals, adding: “We’ll be ready for them”.

Wilkinson embarks on his first derby as Terras boss this evening (7.45pm) at the Bob Lucas Stadium with a cup final spot and bragging rights over the Magpies at stake.

Weymouth last played Dorchester in the 2020 Senior Cup final, a week before football was curtailed by the pandemic.

On that occasion, Mark Molesley’s men won 4-2 but were pushed hard by a spirited Dorchester side – and Wilkinson expects another memorable battle between the old enemies.

He told Echosport: “I hope the fans come out and see it, it’s not every day you get to play your local rivals.

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“Let’s get everyone out, come and support the boys, make sure we make it competitive. We’ll be ready for them and they’ll be ready for us.

“I’m going to take it seriously, I’m a winner. We’re in the semi-final against one of (our) rivals.

“You have to show the cup, fans and everyone round me respect. Depending on a few knocks, we’ll be going quite strong.”

Two players who have been fit to play, but missing for personal reasons in recent weeks are Michael Dome-Bemwin and Hari McCoy.

Giving an update on both, Wilkinson said: “People keep saying we’ve had (40) players at the club this season.

“I’m trying to build a squad, it’s irrelevant. It doesn’t matter if it’s 18, 40 or 100.

“Michael’s with us, he’s trying to get fitness and hopefully he’ll be part of the squad.

“Hari got called to go back home to Singapore. He’s back so he’ll be around the squad hopefully next week or the week after.”

Tom Bearwish also returns from suspension but Ben Thomson (ankle) may not be risked in favour of involvement at Chippenham on Saturday.