Upwey boss wary of Witches' threat (From This is Hampshire)

Upwey boss wary of Witches' threat

5:00pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in Hampshire Sport By Adam Summers

UPWEY & Broadwey’s quest for a top-three finish in the Dorset Senior League will face another stern examination this weekend when they travel to Witchampton United (3pm).

With the Witches currently sitting one point above Upwey in fifth spot, this clash could have huge implications in the race for the higher positions, particularly with both sides holding games in hand on the teams above them.

Steve Reynolds, whose men have won their last six in the division, told Echosport: “It is hard to work Witchampton’s form out because it is a bit up and down at the moment but one thing we do know is that it is never easy up there.

“We have just got to try and keep the momentum going as best we can and see where we end up.

“We have still only played 12 games which means we have a lot of matches coming up in a very short space of time with not the biggest of squads, so it is going to be very tough. However, I cannot be anything but pleased at the moment.”

Upwey became the first team to defeat runaway leaders Mere Town last weekend despite missing the likes of Ethan Devaney, Richard Frost and Pete Bochonko.

Reynolds added: “Ethan will be back this week but Pete is suspended for one more game and Richard is still a bit away due to injury. Apart from that everyone else is fine.”

Having finally ended a winless run of eight games last weekend, Weymouth Sports will be looking to continue the upward trend at Stourpaine (3pm).

Sports have been showing big improvements of late but they still sit in the bottom three, just five points above basement boys Okeford United, who hold six games in hand on them.

Joint-boss Chris Hicks said: “We have got a bit more experience in the side now but going to Stourpaine this weekend will be tough.

“They are a pretty physical side so we know we are going to be in for a battle but hopefully we can go there and build on last Saturday’s victory.

“Sam Culpin has been struggling through injury of late but should be back this week while James Parkes will return between the posts for Dan Floyd, who is unavailable.”

Meanwhile, Portland United Reserves will be out to follow in Sports’ footsteps by halting their very own winless run of 11 matches.

The reigning champions may be eight points clear of the bottom two but with all the teams below them holding games in hand they still need to be mindful.

On Saturday the islanders will face fellow strugglers Blandford United Reserves at Grove Corner (3pm).