WEYMOUTH face a crucial contest with Vanarama National League South strugglers Dover Athletic at the Bob Lucas Stadium tomorrow (3pm).

With both teams mired at the foot of the table, Weymouth in 20th and Dover bottom, the three points take on extra significance this weekend.

Weymouth have a healthy record against the Whites, winning four of their last five meetings, but the Kent side have recently replaced boss Mitch Brundle for Jake Leberl.

And Athletic claimed an eye-catching 0-0 draw with play-off chasers Bath City on Saturday to underline their improvement.

READ MORE: Connor Bent joins Portland United on dual terms from Weymouth Under-23s

Weymouth boss Bobby Wilkinson therefore is expecting a similarly organised Dover.

He told Echosport: “It’s a really exciting game. We manage and play for these sorts of games.

“We wish it was at the other side of the table, but it’s so exciting. We’ve got a good squad but we’ve made it even stronger.

“They’ve definitely responded to their manager and got a great point at Bath, so they’ll be full of confidence.

“We’ve gone to Chippenham and dominated, and we’re full of confidence as well. We trained really well on Monday and recovered well. There’s excitement around the group."

Wilkinson added: “We normally score some goals against them, so they’re going to come and fight for a point and catch us on the break.

“We’re going to have to be patient on the ball, make sure we get it wide in the right areas. It’s going to be a difficult game but I’d take 1-0 to follow up a great point last week.

“I’ve done quite well against Dover and, I’ll be honest, I’d quite like it to continue this weekend!”

Alfie Rutherford could make his debut but Calvin Brooks is suspended and Ben Thomson (hamstring) is a doubt, while Anthony Cheshire has gone on loan to Basingstoke.

Wilkinson added: “I’m pleased with these signings that have made us better. I’m really excited as a manager to manage this quality of player.

“To bring Alfie in, that gives us that extra power up top. That’s why it’s so exciting to have those goalscorers on the pitch.”

Weymouth have meanwhile allowed under-23 forward Connor Bent to join Portland United on dual registration terms for a month.

Echosport understands Weymouth are seeking a loan deal at Step 3 level for Moe Shubbar near his London base, the forward last playing for the Terras in the 5-1 loss to Bath on Tuesday, November 7.