Duke go full steam for Railway treble

8:40am Saturday 3rd January 2009

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PREMIERSHIP new boys the Duke of Albany have plenty of reasons to feel confident heading into their first game of the New Year against the Railway Tavern at Redlands tomorrow (10.30am).

The Park Street outfit have already racked up two handsome victories over the Taverners this season – a 12-1 league whipping on October 5 followed by a more modest 6-1 Inter-mediate Cup success on November 16.

Added to that the Duke have also found their best form in their last two outings against Ferndown Loco-motive (3-2) and the Punchbowl (13-0) and with a full-strength squad to choose from they will no doubt be looking to maintain the impetus for their title challenge.

Player-boss Luke Tomlin welcomes back defenders Sean Harris and Mark Carter, winger Sean Zima and forward Chris Sweetser-Hawkes, who is expec-ted to start on the bench after a long injury lay-off.

Keeper Anthony Luque should also be available despite having been struck down with a ear infection and co-boss Jamie Spivey is also nearing a return.

He will probably be rested tomorrow but could play some part in next weekend’s Dorset Intermediate Cup quarter-final tie with the White Heather Hornets.

The Duke sit in second place just four points behind leaders the Belve-dere, who face a tough test against fellow high-fliers the Britannia at the Marsh.

Belve player-boss Bobby Darch will want his side to maintain their cushion at the top, particularly after dropping points in a goal-less draw with the Kingswood just before Christmas.

He said: “We face the Britannia tomorrow who are always a strong outfit and they are chasing us hard in third place. We will have to be at our best of course to take the points but we will have to do that without suspended pair Paul Cole and Phil Lee.”

Cole has been in sensational form up front for the Belve this term but the disappointment of his omission from the starting line-up should be softened by the return of Portland United talisman Lewis Whyton.

The Kingswood will look to continue their four-game unbeaten run with a positive result against The George at Grove Corner Playing Fields.

In their last two games the Wood have drawn with the Brit and the Belve, which clearly underlines their potential, but they know consistency is the name of the game and that tomorrow’s trip is a tough prospect.

Wood co-boss Jason Wellman said: “We were the better team against the Brit and the Belve and to string four good results together after the shaky start we had is pleasing but we have not achieved anything yet.

“The George are just three points below us and they also drew with the Belve earlier this season so it is another big test for the lads and one we hope they will rise to.”

Vice-captain Ian McDonald, goalkeeper Nick Gregg and forward Luke Bartlett are all back available for selection for the Wood but there are still doubts over Lloyd Squibb and Ben Hart. Gareth Roberts and Ky Capel are unavailable. Elsewhere in the top flight, tenth-placed AFC Black Dog can go a long way to preserving their Premiership status if they can get the measure of bottom club the Rendezvous at Redlands.

Dog boss Rob Pavey reports that his side should be at full strength for this basement battle with both Alex Glover and Lee Rockingham returning from injury and new signings Billy Hutchinson and Sean Stewart in line to make their debuts.

The Dog will also be buoyed by the returns of Stu Spearing and Lewis Scard who missed out against the Railway Tavern.

Meanwhile, the Championship’s surprise package in the first half of the season – Galaxy Windows – meet Queens Park Venue for the first time knowing a victory will maintain pole position in the table regardless of other results.

Galaxy boss Andy Barber said: “With Bobby Jones back in the side after his one game ban and a fully fit squad to choose from I am really hoping the lads can continue our current unbeaten league run.”

Matt Bird comes in at right back while Dan Beckett makes way for returning Olly Tilson on the right side of midfield. Dan Sidwell continues in attack alongside Kieron Reeson, while Galaxy’s top scorer Chris Reader keeps his central midfield berth. TOMORROW’S FIXTURES (all 10.30am) Weymouth Sunday League Premiership: AFC Black Dog v Rendezvous (Redlands), Belvedere v Britannia (Marsh), Duke of Albany v Railway Tavern (Redlands), George (Port) v Kingswood (Grove), Rodwell v Punchbowl (Marsh).

Championship: Galaxy Windows v Queen’s Park Venue (Grove).

Premiership

P W D L F A GD Pts

Belvedere 12 10 2 0 48 7 41 32

Duke of Albany 12 9 1 2 86 28 58 28

Britannia 13 8 3 2 56 24 32 27

Rodwell 10 8 0 2 47 11 36 24

Tuatara 12 6 0 6 42 39 3 18

Kingswood 12 4 3 5 38 25 23 15

The Lugger 9 4 1 4 27 37 -10 13

The George 10 3 3 4 25 29 -4 12

Railway Tavern 11 3 1 7 29 47 -18 10

AFC Black Dog 11 3 1 7 23 62 -39 10

Punchbowl 13 2 1 10 31 73 -42 7

Rendezvous 11 0 0 11 9 79 -70 0

Championship

Galaxy Windows 12 9 2 1 60 24 36 29

Market House 13 9 2 2 42 23 19 29

Chapelhay 11 9 0 2 48 16 32 27

The Rock 11 9 0 2 56 27 29 27

Dorothy Inn 11 8 0 3 83 34 49 24

Golden Lion 13 5 1 7 36 30 6 16

Southill SC 10 5 1 4 28 31 -3 16

Queens Park Venue 13 4 1 8 35 52 -17 13

The Alex 9 3 0 6 27 33 -6 9

The George 13 2 1 10 36 54 -18 7

Clean Connections 12 2 0 10 22 86 -64 6

Old Castle 10 0 0 10 11 74 -63 0