MANAGER Steve Cuss admits he is suffering with a selection headache ahead of Wimborne Town’s double-header of cup derbies.

Cuss revealed his temptation to rest key players when Magpies host Hamworthy United in the Dorset Senior Cup second round tonight (7.45pm) with Saturday’s FA Trophy trip to Dorchester Town looming large.

But having lost to the Wessex League Hammers in last season’s FA Cup, the Cuthbury boss remains painfully aware of the pitfalls involved with facing lower-ranked opposition.

Cuss said: "We have a good record in the Dorset Senior Cup and want to continue that but I also have to consider the fact that the fixtures are coming thick and fast at the moment.

“I will be naming a full senior squad but four or five of our younger players will be in the reckoning and might well get their chance to impress.”

Cuss also confirmed that fringe first-team players Andy Powell and Franklyn Clarke had left the club.

"It's a shame when players go, particularly after just a couple of games and especially when they have made a bright start," added Cuss. 

"But I always think that every departure creates an opportunity for someone else. We have some promising youngsters and this could be the chance they need to stake a claim.

"We are also blessed with some wonderfully versatile players, which is important in a small squad.

"Players such as Billy Maybury and Ian Oliver can play in numerous positions and when we have a couple of injuries that can make all the difference."

  • Holders Poole Town will be protecting a lengthy unbeaten run in the county’s flagship competition when they travel to Western League Premier Division backmarkers Gillingham Town (7.45pm).

Dolphins, who have lifted the trophy for the past two years, last lost in the Dorset Senior Cup in November 2011 in a quarter-final defeat to eventual winners Dorchester Town.

Elsewhere, Dorset Premier League outfit Parley Sports travel to Dorchester (both 7.45pm).

  • In the Wessex League Premier Division, Bournemouth Poppies travel to Blackfield & Langley hoping to dent their hosts’ eight-match unbeaten home league record.

Meanwhile, Christchurch will be looking to end their eight-match losing streak in all competitions when they sail across the Solent to face Newport (IOW) (both 7.45pm).

Priory have shipped 28 goals during their dismal run.