STUART Heath is expecting Merley Cobham Sports to deliver a much tougher test at Grove Corner tomorrow (2.30pm).

The Portland United boss has warned his men to be prepared for a backlash in the Dorset Senior Cup first round tie after they beat the Poole outfit 6-0 in last weekend’s league meeting.

Heath said: “I am expecting tomorrow’s game to be much closer as they will now come here with a point to prove and we have to be ready for that.

“For us, it will all be about trying to continue the high level of performance we have shown in the last two games.

“October is going to be a tough month with cup ties and league games against the likes of Holt United and Hamworthy Recreation so it is important we look to carry on the momentum.

“We are certainly heading into it in good shape.”

Heath expects to have the same squad tomorrow with Lloyd Cranny, Andy Perkins and Ashley Smith all pushing for starts.

Weymouth Reserves are still sweating on the fitness of several players ahead of their Magna Dorset Premier League clash at Tintinhull (3pm).

Injuries forced the Terras to postpone their game at Westland Sports last week but joint-boss Jake Richmond is hopeful that enough of his squad will recover in time to make the trip to Yeovil.

He said: “Luke Winsper took another knock on his ankle in the first-team friendly against Plymouth Argyle, while Adam Anstey is struggling with a knee problem.

“Charlie Holland also has a swollen ankle, Max Ironside has torn a stomach muscle and Callum Scott appears to have a hamstring strain, so we will just have to see how these lads are.

“A couple of them could be out for a couple of weeks but I am hopeful a few of them can make it back in time for this weekend, but we will just have to wait and see.”

Bridport Reserves will be out to secure back-to-back league victories against Poole Borough at St Mary’s Field (3pm).

The Bees bounced back from successive defeats last week with a win over Tintinhull and with Tristan Gale due to return this weekend, boss Steve Crabb has every reason to feel confident once again.

He said: “Most of the lads that were struggling with injuries came through the Tintinhull game unscathed.

“Dan Peart played the first hour and Ben Clarke saw out the full 90 minutes, which was very important for him as he needs to get time on the pitch under his belt.

“Tristan Gale is also due to return from suspension tomorrow so we should be able to put out a similar side.

“Having said that, I do know the first team picked up a couple of knocks so a lot will also depend on what they want to do.”

Bridport sit ninth in the Dorset Premier League, just three points behind the Hornets, who occupy the place above.

Chickerell United also return to action this weekend with a trip to Sturminster Marshall in the Dorset Senior Cup (2.30pm).

The Chickens go into the first round clash off the back of three consecutive 3-0 victories in a winning run of seven games.