DPL Previews: Welch’s defensive dilemma as trio miss out (From This is Hampshire)

DPL Previews: Welch’s defensive dilemma as trio miss out

8:48am Friday 10th February 2012 in Hampshire Sport By Adam Summers

MAURICE Welch is facing a defensive dil-emma ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Blandford United in the Magna Dorset Premier League (2pm).

The Chickerell United boss will be without the services of Scott Henley, Dan Welch and Tom Peck for the clash but the Royals will also have a big void to fill after star striker Mark Ford agreed to join Weymouth earlier this week.

Maurice Welch told Echosport: “Dan, Scott and Tom are all unavailable and to be honest we do not have many replacements in that area, which means we have got a bit of a problem.

“We have also lost Ben Skelton, who has decided to return to Portland United in order to play with his mates again, but we might have Stew Walbridge back, which would certainly be a plus.

“Blandford are always a tough side to play against and that showed a few weeks ago when we beat them 1-0.”

Title-chasing Portland United also face a tough proposition this weekend at Parley Sports (2pm).

The league leaders have been far from their best in recent weeks but boss Stuart Heath is hoping last Tuesday night’s 2-2 friendly draw at Weymouth will give his players the necessary boost they require following a tricky period.

He said: “The stop-start nature of the last few weeks has not made things easy and hopefully that friendly in midweek has now given us that confidence and momentum that is always so important at this stage of the season. Defensively, we were outstanding on Tuesday against excellent opposition and I am sure that has done us a lot of good.

“Parley is never an easy place to go and we know they have the potential to deliver good displays against the top sides so it is important we make sure our performance is up to standard.”

Taking chances has been a problem of late for Portland and they will certainly miss striker Adam Linaker tomorrow, as he is unavailable for the next two weeks.

Grant Chance also remains sidelined but Chris Reader looks set to return and Alex Grimason is in line to make his debut after moving across from Poole Borough. Heath added: “In the last couple of games I am not sure the balance of the team has been quite right and ultimately that comes down to me. It is my job to pick the right shape in order to get the best out of the players and hopefully we can get the right mix tomorrow.”

Weymouth Reserves will be out to increase their unbeaten run to four games at home to Poole Borough (2pm).

Matt Morley has re-signed for the Terras after a spell at Sherborne Town while Rob Maxted is back from injury.

Joint-manager Jake Richmond said: “It is great to have Matt back. We were disappointed to lose him when he left but he has seen the opportunities that are available here in terms of pushing for the first team and wants to give it another crack.

“He is lightning quick and unplayable at times, and just the type of player we have been missing of late. We are also looking to bring in two more but obviously we want to keep those names to ourselves at present until everything gets sorted out.”

Finally, Bridport Reserves entertain Hamworthy United Reserves at St Mary’s Field (3pm).

Despite having lost just once in their last nine in the league, the Bees will be keen to get back to winning ways after failing to pick up a victory in their last three.