Dorchester Town visit Basingstoke this Saturday in the Southern League Premier (3pm).

The Magpies travel to the Winklebury Football Complex in Hampshire in what will be their third league game of the campaign. 

Tom Killick's side is so far unbeaten in the opening couple of rounds with a 1-1 draw at home to Havant & Waterlooville last Saturday (August 10), and a 1-1 draw away to Tiverton in midweek.

READ: Tiverton 1-1 Dorchester Town

Olaf Koszela is leading the club's goal scoring charts with two goals in two games and looks in fine form after over coming a slight niggle in pre-season. 

However, the weekend's opposition will likely cause some problems for Killick's side. 

The Dragons have opened their league campaign with two wins and sit second in the table with six points from six. 

A 3-1 win away to Plymouth Parkway on the opening day of the season was followed up with a 3-0 win over Swindon Supermarine.

Dan Warre is in fine for as well for the home side having scored three goals so far this season, including a brace in the last game against Swindon.

With the strong start to Basingstoke season and their passionate home support, Howes is aware of the tough challenge on Saturday.

READ: Dorchester assistant Glenn Howes reflects on Havant draw

Speaking to Echosport, he said: "It's going to be a huge challenge. The games never get easier in this league and their supporters create a great atmosphere but we have a good travelling support and we expect ours to be equally as good.

"They have changed a few personnel and have had a big overhaul of the squad and have started the season well.

"It's not an easy fixture so we will make sure we are prepared for the challenge ahead."

READ: Dorchester without Gerard Benfield for Tiverton game

In terms of team news, The Magpies will be without new signing Gerard Benfield in goal after the keeper dislocated his finger in the opening day clash with Havant.  

Noah Crisp is expected to continue to deputise with the gloves in his absence. 

There is good news though, as last season's top goal Scorer Shaquille Gwengwe is set to return to the squad for the trip to Basingstoke.

Howes added: "Shaq will a welcome addition to our choices in the final third and should improve us in front of goal.

"He will train this week and will be available on Saturday and the rest of the squad is fully fit."

Kick off is at 3pm at the Winklebury Football Complex in Basingstoke on Saturday, August 17.