WEYMOUTH boss Mark Molesley admits the league is a “much bigger prize” for his side as they head into their Dorset Senior Cup semi-final clash at Poole Town tonight (7.45pm).
It represents a chance for the Terras to get into the final and take a shot at winning the cup for the fourth season out of their past five.
Yet Weymouth sit in second in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier South and should they win a game in hand they can go top of standings ahead of leaders Taunton Town.
Molesley said: “It is a local game for us, it gives us a chance to get some much needed minutes into people that might need it and have a look at some of our younger players.
“It is a game we certainly want to win, it is a semi-final, and we want to progress in the competition but at the same time we have to prioritize the league because that is a much bigger prize for us.”
With the Terras slowly clearing through a once considerable injury list, the match represents a chance to build players’ fitness away from the rigours of the league.
Molesley said: “The boys have had a lot of away trips lately but at the same time the game comes at a good time.
“Other players need much-needed minutes at the moment and we can continue to build everyone’s fitness and keep everyone’s match sharpness up as well.
“It comes at a good time and it is a game we are looking forward to.”
When asked about the possibility of tinkering, Molesley replied that he ‘would imagine there will be a few changes.’
Be under no illusions, Molesley wants to be in the cup final which would be against either Bridport or Wimborne Town, but the Weymouth boss spoke of having to get a balance right for the match.
Molesley said: “It is a semi-final and we want to win the game make no mistake about it.
“But I can’t win the game at a risk of our players’ health and fitness at the same time.
“We need to get that balance right, of keeping everyone as fit and as sharp as they can be and ready for the league campaign as well.”
