Weston-super-Mare boss Craig Laird says his players can match the best in the Blue Square South League

Weston-super-Mare boss Craig Laird is confident his team can compete with the very best the Blue Square South has to offer.

And his charges will have the opportunity to prove their manager right when they host leaders Welling at the Woodspring Stadium tomorrow.

The latest in a series of tough matches against promotion-chasing opposition, this weekend’s clash will provide Laird with a yardstick against which to measure his side’s progress this season.

He told The Post: “We used to make ourselves solid and try and grind out results against the better teams, but no longer.

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“We are now taking the game to the opposition, even when we play the top sides. We have the ability and the confidence to try and match them and that is hugely encouraging to see.

“We may have a small squad, which gets stretched at times, but I have 14 or 15 players who I feel confident can compete with the best in this league.”

Having lost to play-off contenders Dover last time out, Weston face a testing month during which they must also play Salisbury twice and fellow promotion hopefuls Chelmsford.

But Laird insists his players will relish the challenge rather than be cowed by it and he is looking forward to locking horns with the league leaders this weekend.

“Welling appear to have the momentum right now, but you can get to the top of the table too soon sometimes and staying there could be more difficult.

“They are there to be shot at and I expect my lads to rise to the challenge.”

The Seagulls with be strengthened by the return of centre-back Matt Villis, who is available after suspension, while Brett Trowbridge is expected to be available after recovering from injury.

But Jamie Price again misses out after incurring a three-match ban.