KEVIN Bond believes that Weymouth will represent Cherries' first real test of pre-season as he runs the rule over a new batch of promising trialists.

The Cherries boss takes his side to the Wessex Stadium tonight (7.30pm) where a clutch of familiar faces, managed by ex-Cherries man Jason Tindall, will be eager to give their League One neighbours a stern examination.

Bond told the Daily Echo: "Weymouth will present our first real test of pre-season and I'm sure they will want to do well against us - we know a few of their players very well and I'd imagine that they will be wanting to impress against us.

"It should certainly be a competitive game and it's what we need as we start to step things up a little bit."

Aside from Tindall, there will be plenty of Dean Court connections with Marcus Browning, James Coutts and Conal Platt all now involved with the Terras after their summer departures from Cherries.

Bond, meanwhile, will weigh up more trialists this week - with the new intake headed by former Arsenal youngster Ryan Garry.

The 23-year-old former Gunners central defender - who can also operate on the left flank - was at the club's Canford School training ground yesterday after his summer release from the Emirates Stadium.

And Bond is hopeful that the defender will take his opportunity to earn himself a contract.

Bond said: "I've met Ryan before and I really liked the way he came across - I was very impressed with his attitude.

"He's got a good pedigree, but has had a few injury niggles over the last couple of seasons.

"But he's determined to get back playing regular football and I'm more than happy to give him that opportunity."

Garry was joined by fellow trialists Seb Muddel - a striker from Norwich City - and former French under-21 winger William Mocquet, who was released by Sunderland at the end of last season.

They linked up with Phil Mulryne and Jason Pearce who were invited back for this week's training, while Marvin Bartley and Scott Ley are also both expected to feature in Tuesday night's clash.

Bond is as yet undecided whether to play Garry in the clash at Weymouth after only a day's training, while he is also wary of throwing new signing Paul Telfer straight into match action with so little training behind him.

It also seems likely that Neil Young (ankle), Warren Cummings (knee), Shaun Cooper (back) will not be risked after picking up minor niggles.