Dorchester Town face their toughest assignment of pre-season tonight as Championship heavyweights Brighton visit the county town (7.45pm).

The Seagulls are managed by former Tottenham and Chelsea midfielder Gus Poyet and have bolstered their ranks this summer with some big-name signings, most notably ex-England international Wayne Bridge and former Manchester United gloveman Tomasz Kuszczak.

The Sussex outfit also boast ex-Spain and Valencia winger Vicente, as well as a former Magpie in the shape of Ben Dickenson.

The latter was with the county town side for just eight months before a host of impressive displays caught the eye of a number of high-profile clubs.

But it was Brighton who won the race for his signature in a deal that could eventually be worth six figures.

And Phil Simkin, who played a key role in bringing Dickenson to the Avenue last summer, is hopeful of seeing the teenager in action this evening.

The Dorchester boss said: “I’m sure he will be involved and we’ll be pleased to see him.”

The Seagulls are also due to visit Hastings United tomorrow and are therefore expected to split their first-team squad between the two fixtures.

The Magpies meanwhile, should name a squad similar to that which lost 4-0 at home to Exeter City on Tuesday night.

It is hoped that Kyle Critchell, who missed out through illness in midweek, will be fit enough to face Albion but fellow full-back Jake Smeeton (hamstring) remains sidelined.

Simkin added: “We will have more-or-less the same squad as Tuesday night and I’m hoping Kyle will be well enough to play after missing the Exeter game.

“Jake is still having problems with his hamstring. It’s almost sorted but we have got to get it done properly this time. He isn’t far away though.”

Following tonight’s game, the Avenue will tomorrow play host to a friendly encounter between Yeovil Town and Plymouth Argyle (3pm).

Prices are as follows: Adults £10, concessions £6, young persons (16-21) £4, juniors (under-16) £2, vice-presidents £12.