LEE Spalding has branded tomorrow’s Southern League Premier Division South trip to Weymouth as a free hit for Swindon Supermarine, adding his men can go and enjoy the occasion.

The Terras, formerly a force in the Conference Premier, have seen their non-league status dwindle in recent years, with hopes of promotion to the Football League in the mid-2000s now only a distant memory.

Marine, meanwhile, are on the verge of recording their best-ever league finish since their formation in 1992, and still have an outside chance of poaching a play-off spot.

But defeating Weymouth, who were held to a 1-1 draw at the Webbswood Stadium in November, is key if Spalding’s men are to realise that challenge.

And the Marine boss insists all pressure sits on Saturday’s opponents and has called on his players to play with the freedom they expressed when crushing Beaconsfield Town 4-0 at home last weekend.

He said: “Our form has been very good – we played Taunton (1-1), who were top of the league, faced Chesham (0-0) who were on a good run and beat Dorchester.

“Basingstoke (a 2-0 loss) was a bad day, but sometimes you must credit the opposition and they were better on the day.

“We bounced back excellently on Saturday against Beaconsfield. It was a good response to our result the weekend before.

“It’s important we take that momentum and confidence into Saturday’s game.

“The expectation is all on them – they’re the home team and are expected to win.

“We go there with a bit of a free hit. We want to go there and make a good account of ourselves, I believe we’ve got a great group of players and can have a real go and enjoy it.”

Weymouth, meanwhile, will be looking to end a seven-season stint in the third tier of non-league football and push themselves back in National League South territory.

That ambition itself is enough for Spalding to realise the challenge that awaits his side.

“They came into the season as one of the favourites to go up, and they’re currently top of the league,” said Spalding.

“They’re a massive club and have been above this level for a long time. It will be a real test for us, and will show where we are as a team and how we’re evolving.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge, and it’s a good opportunity for us against a big club.”