SCOTT Mitchell has warned his county colleagues to beware of a backlash when Dorset travel to Gwent in the British Inter County Darts Championship this weekend.

The Bransgore-based BDO world champion will form part of the men’s A squad as both teams look to make their game in hand count in a late push for the Division One promotion places.

Each match has 36 points available with a further three bonus points for the winning team and alongside Dorset’s home clash with Devon next month, ‘Scotty Dog’ believes the clash will go a long way to deciding his side’s destiny.

Mitchell told the Daily Echo: “It’s a rearranged game from September and we’re the only two counties playing this weekend. With Devon at home in two weeks’ time, this is a crucial period in our promotion chase.

“Like us, Gwent are probably in a pretty false position because we’re a game behind everybody else. A win for either will see us put some real pressure on everyone at the top.

“It is always a tough match against Gwent. They tend to involve a couple of Wales internationals and we are hoping not to end up on the receiving end because they will be smarting after a heavy defeat up at Durham last time out.

“We have put together two wins on the trot, including a great performance at Staffordshire. It is unusual for us to get back-to-back wins like that but we must look to build on it because the next couple of weeks will decide whether we go up or not.”

Mitchell expects Dorset to have a full squad available for the match which takes place across tomorrow and Sunday.