MARTYN Richards is anticipating a tricky afternoon against relegation-threatened Ferndown Wayfarers.

Second-from-bottom Ferndown visit the Rec (1.30pm) knowing they can ill-afford a heavy defeat at the hands of third-placed Dorchester.

And for that reason, captain Richards, pictured right, believes his side will have to fight tooth and nail to secure victory in their final home match of the Dorset Premier League season.

He said: “We’re hoping to finish our home campaign on a high by claiming a good win. However, like we found against Wimborne & Colehill a couple of weeks ago, Ferndown are in a bit of trouble so they will be difficult to play against as they are desperate for the points.

“We don’t have much to play for but we’ve got good players in good form so we’re hoping we can put on a bit of a display and prevent them upsetting the odds.

“I’m asking the boys to play with a smile on their faces but remain as professional as possible in order to finish our home games with a good win.

“We should finish third this season, it’s just unfortunate that we weren’t good enough in the big games to finish in the top two. However, we do deserve to at least be in the top three and 20 points tomorrow will pretty much secure that.”

The county town outfit have one place still up for grabs in tomorrow’s line-up and Richards will select the candidate who has best performed during the club’s cricket week.

Dorchester: Tweddle, Moxom, Haynes, Belt, Waite, Ellis, Mead, Legg, Richards, Power, A N Other.

* Dorchester Seconds travel to Christchurch in Dorset League Division Two (2pm) with the promotion-chasing thirds, who sit second in Dorset League Division Six, also facing Christchurch opposition in the form of their second string (2pm).