Dorchester face Havant & Waterlooville in the Southern League Premier at The Avenue today at 3pm.

The Magpies go into the game having won five out of their six pre-season games, but assistant manager Glenn Howes says any opening league game is 'difficult to call'.

Havant have also had a good pre-season winning four of their seven games and also held League Two side AFC Wimbledon to a 0-0 draw.

Speaking to Echosport, Howes said: "I think any opening fixture is difficult to call it is a real unusual situation with the long build up and the enthusiasm and excitement in that build up to the season."

Howes has already stated that he wants to make The Avenue 'a fortress' this season and the team will be looking to build on last season's ninth placed finish. 

READ: Dorchester sign Brendan Holmes after successful trial

READ: Dorchester assistant Glenn Howes looks ahead to new season

However, it will be a real test for the Magpies this weekend when they take on Havant who have dropped down from the National League South after relegation last season. 

He added: "It will be difficult to cal,l the league has improved further with the competition amongst the teams, and there are so many fine margins.

"Havant will be a very difficult fixture but one that we will embrace and the group is ready."

In terms of team news, there are 'no major concerns' going into the game later today with the whole squad pretty much fit and raring to go. 

Howes continued: "There are no major concerns for the game, but there are one or two who are carrying a few knocks from the game against Weymouth last weekend."

The game kicks off at 3pm at The Avenue.