RIVAL National League South teams are setting up more defensively against Weymouth this season, manager Bobby Wilkinson believes.

The Terras are currently on a run of four successive victories, a sequence that will be severely tested at promotion contenders Chelmsford City tomorrow (3pm).

Weymouth have scored 10 times in four games but come up against a Clarets defence ranked as the meanest of the 24 teams in the division, conceding only 30 goals in 30 matches.

Addressing the shift in perception around 14th-placed Weymouth given their improvements this season, Wilkinson told Echosport: “Teams are definitely looking at us differently now.

READ MORE: Weymouth in talks to sign new defender

“I could sense that when we’re playing them, they’re going a lot more defensively, so I’m enjoying that challenge to make sure we can open up teams.

“I’m starting to make sure we pass the ball more in the final third and move these teams around. You’ve got to stop that low block.

“We create lots of chances and teams are showing us a hell of a lot more respect than last year.

“They’re starting to realise Weymouth are a very good side now.”

On Chelmsford, who Wilkinson has personally scouted in January, he added: “We know how unbelievably strong in defenders they are.

“They’ve got a very settled back four, just like we did. Mine’s all over the place at the moment because we’re adapting to certain situations with loanees going back and injuries.

“This week we’ve been working extremely hard to make sure we’re defensively good as well.

“Always be hard to beat first, just like Chelmsford.”

Weymouth currently have only three fit and available defenders in Harry Jones, Jordon Thompson and Leo Hamblin.

Charlie Rowan is one booking away from a two-game suspension but is nursing a groin strain, while Teddy Howe serves the second of a two-match suspension for 10 cautions.

Calvin Brooks (knee) is awaiting the verdict on his scan and Joe Cook returned to Dorking earlier this week.

Wilkinson said: “Charlie’s got a problem with his groin, so if he can get through training he will be ready for selection straight away.

“Because of that situation, I’ve been working round the clock to bring in a centre-half to give us cover.”

Weymouth are understood to be in advanced talks with the defender, a third-year pro from a League One club.