DORCHESTER Sports’ boss Ashley James believes the club is going through its “hardest spell” in the Dorset Premier League ahead of journeying to Blandford United tomorrow (2pm).

Since the turn of the year, Sports have twice shipped eight goals in an 8-1 drubbing to champions and leaders Hamworthy Rec and most recently in an 8-2 mauling by Merley Cobham Sports.

James’ men are winless in more than two months and face a Blandford side just three points and three places behind them in 12th.

Speaking to Echosport, James backed his team to respond with hard work.

He said: “Everyone’s disappointed – we’re not used to this. The last three seasons all we’ve known is winning.

“This is definitely the hardest spell I’ve ever had to face, it’s been very, very tough and it’s not a nice feeling. But we’re trying hard. We haven’t downed tools, we’ve given everything we can. It’s just not happening for us at the moment, but if we keep working hard I’m sure it will change around.”

On Blandford, he added: “We’ve got to roll our sleeves up and dig in again – it’s another big, physical side. They’re very strong at set-pieces as well, very similar to Merley.

“We’ve got to match them in that capacity as well and just do some of the things we did in the first 40 minutes against Merley and try and keep it going.”

Sports welcome back defender Pat Thomas and goalkeeper Antony Frost for the contest.