DORCHESTER Sports’ boss Ashley James has described the upcoming Sports derby with Balti Sports at the Avenue Stadium tonight as a “massive game” (6.30pm).

The two sides renew Dorset Premier League rivalries having strengthened significantly during the summer.

James said: “It is a massive game against Balti. It is a local derby at the Avenue, both teams have won their first game of the season so it is all to play for.

“It is going to be a fantastic derby I am sure of it, it always is when we meet each other. It was just important, we knew they were going to beat Sturminster Newton on Saturday so it was vital that we did not give them any lead. To be on three points each sets it up nicely now.”

Meanwhile, Balti manager Marco Nott said the Avenue’s 3G pitch would “suit” his side.

He told Echosport: “It’s the perfect game to get up for. Them being on a 3G pitch will suit us, we’ve played a lot of friendlies on 3G pitches this year.

“We should adapt and hopefully put in a strong performance.”

Balti are without Charlie Kenderdine, Scott Walker, who links up with the Marines for four months and Ethan Devaney for the highly-awaited clash.

In their two derbies last season Balti took four points with the first derby ending in a 1-1 draw thanks to goals from Jamie Samways and Shane Lock.

In the second derby of last season an own-goal from Balti’s Ryan Dovell saw Dorchester Sports take the lead before an own goal from Anthony Frost and efforts from Danny Andrews and Ricky Lane saw Balti emerge 3-1 winners.