IT HAS been a contrasting opening week for Balti Sports in the Dorset Premier League.

Marco Nott’s men, who are targeting a top-three finish in the league this term, opened their campaign by receiving a 5-1 thumping at home against Westland Sports.

But the Weymouth College-based side then returned to form, winning 5-1 against Wareham Rangers on Wednesday evening.

Reflecting on their opening-day defeat, Nott told Echosport: “It was really weird, we just didn’t turn up.

“We went with a 3-5-2 formation because we had tried it at a couple of friendlies at the end of pre-season. It was just a shambles and it didn’t work really.”

He added: “We went back to basics with a 4-4-2 on Wednesday and we were much better. We had Danny Andrews back from suspension and he was outstanding to get his hat-trick.

“It’s typical of us to win 5-1 then lose 5-1. When we are on it I think we are the best team to watch but, on the other hand, when we are not on it we are diabolical!”

Nott will be hoping his side are at their best when they host Hamworthy Recreation tomorrow (3pm).

Elsewhere in the division, Dorchester Sports go in search of their second victory of the campaign when they entertain Cranborne at the Avenue.