STEVE Alcock is anticipating a hard-fought battle tomorrow at Gillingham Town Reserves in the Dorset Senior League (3pm).

The Weymouth Sports’ boss should have almost a full complement of players to choose from with Simon Austin the only absentee. He is expected to return in time for the trip to Kingston Lacy on September 24.

Alcock said: “Gillingham is always a tough place to go and every time I have been there the matches have always been very competitive so we will have to be up for it otherwise we will come unstuck.

“They have a good young side full of running but following the defeat we suffered at home to Sturmin-ster Newton United last Saturday I know our lads are desperate to bounce back, so it should be a great encounter.

“We have then got another tricky away game at Kingston Lacy after that but with everyone available as far as I know hopefully we can get back to form.”

Steve Reynolds will be back in the dugout for Upwey & Broadwey for their clash at Stourpaine (3pm).

The club’s long-serving boss missed last week’s 2-0 home victory over Gilling-ham but will no doubt be hoping for a similar outcome at the Dick Draper Memorial Field.

Simon Ansell, who stood in for Reynolds last weekend, said: “Stourpaine will be another difficult one but now we have got some confidence going hopefully we can go there and put in a performance.”

Elsewhere, Chickerell United Reserves will entertain Bishops Caundle at the Stalls, while Portland United Reserves will travel to Kingston Lacy (both 3pm).