THE waiting is nearly over.

Dorset's football teams return to action tomorrow for one of the most eagerly awaited seasons in recent years.

Weymouth kick off the campaign as red-hot favourites to land the Conference South title.

Anticipation and excitement at the Wessex Stadium has reached fever pitch in recent weeks ahead of the Terras' home opener with Havant and Waterlooville (3pm).

A bumper crowd is expected at Radipole Lane as Garry Hill's full-timers get their championship challenge underway.

After a busy summer of transfer activity, bookies make Weymouth odds on to secure promotion back to Conference National.

The Terras are odds on at 2-5 to see off Havant tomorrow and just 11-8 to eventually land the title.

And Hill admits he can't wait for the visit of the Hawks.

He said: "We're really looking forward to getting started against Havant tomorrow.

"We've been placed favourites for the league title by a lot of people and we've got to take that as a compliment.

"I'm happy with the squad we've built over the summer and know we have the

ability to do well.

"But to be successful, good results are needed on a consistent basis and hopefully the wins will start against Havant."

Dorchester Town travel to Basingstoke for their Conference South opener and manager Mark Morris is well aware that more will be expected of his men this time after they began last season as relegation possibles.

"We are capable of doing better than our eighth place last season - but there is always very little to choose between a lot of the sides in this divison and once again we will need to be spot on to get the right results," he said.

Meanwhile, newly relegated Bridport kick off their Toolstation Western League Division One campaign with a home game against Wellington.

Portland United take to the water to open their Sydenhams Wessex League season with a trip to Cowes Sports on the Isle of Wight.

*For full match previews see tonight's Dorset Echo