CAPTAIN Mark Jermyn is relishing the opportunity to lock horns with old foe Steve Claridge.

With Dorchester Town hosting lower-league Gosport Borough in the FA Trophy this weekend, the Magpies’ skipper, and caretaker-assistant, is once more set to do battle with the former Premier League hit-man – providing the latter recovers from a recent injury.

Claridge’s last visit to the Avenue Stadium saw him find the net for fierce rivals Weymouth, but also see red in a 2-2 draw on New Year’s Day 2004.

Six days earlier, the former Portsmouth and Leicester City striker had bagged a hat-trick in the Terras’ 8-0 demolition of the county town side.

Jermyn though is hopeful the 45-year-old veteran will be less potent in three days’ time.

He told Echosport: “When he was at Wey-mouth they had a budget that was untouchable and they had some very good players.

“He was a good player in his own right but it has been a number of years since he left there, so it’ll be interesting to see what he’s like now.

“I’ve read things about him going for long runs to keep himself fit so he must be in good shape. The main thing we’ll need to be aware of is the fact he knows where the goal is.

“I hope I’m not going to eat my words but given the fact he’s a bit older than the last time I played against him, hopefully he has slowed down a bit. We will have to keep an eye on him though as he has scored goals throughout his career.”

Jermyn added: “Everybody is looking forward to the game and we are looking to win – nothing less – because we have nothing to fear. We don’t fear teams in our own league so we shouldn’t fear ones two divisions below.

“I do know a few of the Gosport players. They are good lads and good players, and it does surprise me that some of them are not playing at a higher level.

“We’ve just got to keep playing the way we have been.”

Under the guidance of Phil Simkin and Jermyn, the Magpies have enjoyed a six-match unbeaten run, conceding just two goals in the process.

The latter has played a major role in the recent success, relinquishing his midfield duties for a place at the heart of the county town defence.

The 30-year-old said: “The only reason I went back there was to steady things a bit. Everyone knows how vocal I am and how much I like to organise. I just felt that was something we were missing previously.

“I’m not saying I’m the answer but the lads have said they enjoy me playing in that role to help organise things.

“Myself and Nathan Walker have got a good partnership and he’s really progressed in the last few weeks.”

Meanwhile, Jermyn admits he would be surprised to see the club unveil a new manager prior to Saturday’s third qualifying round tie.

He added: “We’ve given Shaun Hearn a lot more time to get someone in and whoever does come in should be the right person for it, whether it’s Phil and I or someone else.

“They are whittling it down but I would be surprised if someone comes in before Saturday.

“But Shaun has made strong decisions in the past which have gone for us so he knows what he is doing.”

Julian Dicks, Alan Knight and Darren Perrin are believed to be among the frontrunners for the vacant post.