WEYMOUTH manager Mark Molesley is looking for a reaction from his side following a disappointing derby draw when they face a trip away to Gosport Borough today (3pm) in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division.

Weymouth face a Gosport Borough side who have taken points in just three of their 23 matches so far this season and are bottom of the table with seven points.

Molesley reflected: “We have got to react quick. It is always hard after the game, emotions are high especially on a derby day like that when we have thrown the game away.”

The reaction is important for Molesley as he explains: “It is all about how we react, that is football, there are ups and there are downs and there are highs and there are lows. It is how you roll with the punches and it is all about reactions to everything.”

The manager isn’t taking their opponents lightly in regards to their league position, pointing out that their situation could make them more dangerous.

Molesley said: “Another tricky fixture, another tough game away from home on New Year’s Day against a team fighting for their lives so they are going to be similar to Dorchester, scrapping and fighting for everything.

“We have got to have the tools to deal with every eventuality and I am expecting a very tough game on New Year’s Day.”

Weymouth are currently on a superb run of form that has seen them claim four wins and two draws in their last six matches and sit third in the table with 51 points after 25 games.

The last encounter between the two sides saw Weymouth win 3-2 at the Bob Lucas Stadium in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup thanks to goals from Stuart Yetton, Ben Thomson and Charlie Davis.

Molesley said: “We have got to be up for that challenge first and foremost and then we have then got to put our stamp on the game and put our stamp on the game for longer periods.”

Mark Cooper will be back in contention for Weymouth as he has served a three-match ban after being sent off during the 1-0 win at home against Chesham United.

Jake McCarthy is back in training after being out with appendicitis but Molesley confirmed the match against Gosport will come too soon for him.

Molesley said: “We have got to be careful with him but he is a big player for us and we are looking forward to having him back.”