MAURICE Welch is challenging his players to maintain their unbeaten run until the end of the season and secure the Dorset Premier League runners-up spot.

Chickerell entertain struggling Sturminster Marshall at Weymouth College tomorrow (3pm) looking to stretch their impressive run of 17 games without defeat.

The Chickens currently hold two games in hand over second-placed Poole Borough, lying five points adrift of the Hornets, and manager Welch is looking towards a top-two finish.

He said: “Second place is still there to play for and if we win our games in hand then we’ll move up to second, so tomorrow is a game we need to win. We can win second place ourselves as we’re not relying on anyone else.

“The run is still going, we’re tough to beat and it will take a good side to beat us.

“We’ve got to make sure we’ve got our minds set on tomorrow as opposed to Tuesday’s cup final because Sturminster have picked up some decent results lately and only lost 1-0 to Portland recently.”

United though, have their injury problems ahead of tomorrow’s match. Liam Beads (leg) is out for the rest of the season, Scott Henley (thigh) is not expected to be risked while Liam Miles (shin) and Dan Welch (chest) are both doubtful.

Boss Welch is hopeful that defender Henley will return for Tuesday night’s League Cup final with Portland United at the Wessex Stadium.

Chickens (from): A Weeks, Biles, Graham, L Weeks, D Welch, Evans, Smith, Miles, Hall, Roper, Sibley, Morgan, Daniels, Etherington, White.