Dorchester face a must-win encounter tomorrow as they aim to avoid being dragged into a relegation dog-fight.

Three successive defeats have left the county town side fourth from bottom in the Dorset Premier League and a fourth straight loss at Winton (1.30pm) would see Martyn Richards’ men move even closer to the danger zone.

With the likes of Parley, Weymouth and Poole Town still to visit the Rec before the season ends, Dorchester can ill-afford any slip ups at King George V Playing Field.

The skipper, who misses out through unavailability, said: “We really do not want to get too close to the bottom. When you get into a losing habit it’s difficult to break it.

“Fortunately, in the past, we have been used to getting into a winning habit. However, our form has not been great this year.

“But we’ll be looking to go out and get a win tomorrow, which should hopefully set us up for the rest of the month.

“We’ve got a big month ahead as after tomorrow we have Parley and Weymouth at home, which are two big games, and then we go to Stalbridge before playing Poole at home.

“So tomorrow we want to get the final month of the season off to a good start.

“I have tried everything I can to make myself available but unfortunately I won’t be able to play. It’s a bit gutting as I want to lead the team and get a win in what is a really important game.”

Dan Belt will captain the side tomorrow with all-rounder James Lewis taking Richards’ place in the team.

The latter added: “James comes back into the side and he will add a bit of resolve at the top of the order.

“He has looked like getting a big score in his last few outings but after making good starts he has then got out. I’m confident though that he will get a score tomorrow.

“We really missed his bowling as well last week and he will be a massive boost with both bat and ball. I’m hoping he can give us the lift we need and help us put in a more typical Dorchester performance of old.

“Hopefully then we can start to look up the table rather than over our shoulders.”

Dorchester: Baker, Belt, Caldwell, Dunham, Evans, Fitzgerald, Goodhew, Legg, Lewis, Moxom, Sibley.

* The county town seconds entertain Wimborne & Colehill Seconds while Dorchester Thirds travel to Marnhull Seconds (both 2pm).