STEVE Claridge is urging fans to be realistic over Weymouth's ambitions this season.

The Terras player-boss insists 'there is not a lot wrong' with his winless side ahead of their Nationwide South home clash with Maidenhead tonight (7.45pm).

And he is refusing to panic despite seeing his side only chalk up a single point from their three outings so far this term.

He told Echosport: "Obviously I'm really disappointed with our first three results of the season and it is not what anyone at the club expected.

"But I hope people see the bigger picture because over those games we've generally played well enough to comfortably win, yet only have one point to show for it.

"We created a hatful of chances in all three games but poor finishing has let us down. What has cost over the course of those games is poor play in both boxes - bad defending and poor finishing.

"But, I have to say, that otherwise I don't think there is a lot wrong with us.

"I've seen quite a few other teams this season who have played far worse, and creating far less, than us but have still won games.

"For example, I saw the Havant against Dorchester game the other night which Havant won 4-0 despite creating very little. The difference between us and them is that they have been far more sharper in front of goal which is what we need to do tonight.

"Goals sometimes mask performances and I think that has been the case with us a little bit.

"People keep asking me what I need to put things right or whether we need any new players. The board have been great but I've said to them we don't because I know we've got good players here, we just need them to start showing it.

"People should still be optimistic over our chances this season but, at the same time, also realistic.

"We do not have a divine right to be up there challenging, we have to work hard and do the basics right."

Claridge, who is still out with a hip injury, faces selection problems tonight.

With winger Adam Wilde (groin) still out, doubts also surround defender Paul Gibbs and striker Chukki Eribenne who are both ill.

"We've had a bit of a bug going around the club in the last few weeks and I think Gibbo and Chukki have caught it from the other lads," said Claridge.

"Chukki came off at half time at Bognor on Saturday complaining he was ill and we'll assess the situation later today when we meet up for a training session.

Meanwhile, Weymouth officials have been busy carrying out a major clear-up operation at the Wessex Stadium after last weekend's Pop 4 Weymouth festival.

Tonight's fixture, which was originally scheduled to be played last night, was put back 24 hours and Terras chiefs today described the pitch as being in 'great shape'.