WEYMOUTH manager Mark Molesley admits tonight’s friendly at Hamworthy Recreation presents him with a little trip down memory lane (7.45pm).

Molesley spoke of his past connections with the Hamworthy Club side from his days with AFC Bournemouth.

Rec themselves have enjoyed a remarkable rise, having been in Step 7 as recently as the 2021/22 season, winning the Dorset Premier League by 13 points to earn promotion.

Kirk Grice’s men now find themselves in Step 5 and will play against Weymouth’s neighbours Portland United in the Wessex League Premier next season.

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Speaking to Echosport, Molesley said: “Hamworthy Rec I’ve got a bit of history with.

“I remember playing them for Bournemouth in one of our first pre-season games and they hosted our 23s for gym, breakfast and lunch.

“It’s a really nice club with good people and it’s not too far from Weymouth for a few of our fans to come and watch.

“They’ve got a good pitch and they’ll give us a test for our first run-out.

“That’s what it’s about, these first few games, finding our football legs again and playing tired from the initial first training sessions we’ve had.

“They will be playing with a little bit of fatigue from the sessions we had. It’s a great start for us.”

Asked if the fixture could offer Weymouth more than fitness, Molesley said: “The first fixture is always a fitness exercise.

“But it does give us a first chance to start to embed some foundations. It’s going to be a far from smooth and I’m not looking for a polished performance by any stretch.

“I’m looking for the right body language and reactions from the lads, for them to work hard.

“Then, we’ll start to build some connections between ourselves.”

Molesley is also keen to get back out on the pitch following a break of more than two months.

“I’m really excited,” he admitted.

“I look forward to seeing the lads at every training session and whatever happens we’ll be stronger at the end of the game in terms of fitness and learning more about ourselves.

“It’s certainly good to get a game and I’m sure the lads can’t wait to pull on the shirt and get fitness in the actual match rather than in training. It’s a lot more fun, for sure.”

Molesley also promised trialists at the friendly, adding: “I think there will be a few that we’ll run our eye over.

“We’ve got quite a few 23s in, which I’m excited to see and they’ve shown up well in training.”

Weymouth will have a fully-fit core of 13 first-team players, with Molesley planning for “equal minutes” amongst his players.