STRIKER Tyler Sibbick could be a surprise inclusion in Weymouth’s squad for tonight’s clash against Eastleigh at the Wessex Stadium (7.45pm).

The 17-year-old netted a hat-trick for the reserves on Saturday and will step into the fold should Joe Arnold be ruled out with a thigh injury, which he picked up in the Blue Square South opener at Lewes.

Terras’ boss Matty Hale said: “Joe is doubtful and I would say he is still 50-50 at the moment. It could be a strain or a pull and we will just have to wait and see how he feels.

“He felt it go a bit in the warm-up but played through it in the first half only for it to get worse after half-time.

“If he does not make it tonight then Tyler Sibbick might well get an opportunity. It would be a bit earlier than what we would have liked, as he is so young, but he scored a hat-trick for the reserves on Saturday and is in good shape.”

There are also doubts surrounding the fitness of defender Jordan Rose, who travelled with the squad to the Dripping Pan but did not make the bench.

Hale added: “Jordan has a slight knee injury which is not quite right at the moment so he might not be available as well.

“Apart from him and Joe everyone else is okay except for Hector Mackie of course, who is out long-term.”

Eastleigh, who are expected to be up amongst the frontrunners in the league this season, lost their opening game 2-1 against Braintree Town.

Hale said: “Eastleigh are very much a fancied team this year. They are a well-organised side with a bit of experience so it is going to be a tough match.

“However, if we show the same commitment and work rate as we did at Lewes and are better on the ball then we should be okay. We cannot afford to give away possession as much as we did on Saturday.”

The last time Weymouth won a competitive fixture at the Wessex Stadium was back on January 24 against Northwich Victoria in the Blue Square Premier.

Since then the Terras’ faithful have witnessed their team concede 31 goals and score just twice in their last nine home games, eight of which ended in defeat.

Hale said: “The lads are really looking forward to playing in front of our own fans and they want to make them proud and give them something to smile about again. Hopefully there will be a big turnout.”

Terras (from): Harrison, Evans, Critchell, Brice, Rose, Barnes, Townley, Slocombe, Harris, Smith, Thorne, Groves, Preston, Bennett, Cooper, Arnold, Bennett, Sibbick.