By Adam Summers - Dorset Echo

AUSTRALIAN sensation Jay Herne is confident the Weymouth Doonan Wildcats can kick-start their Conference League campaign with victory tonight over the Sittingbourne Crusaders at the Wessex Stadium (7.15pm). The Wildcats lost their opening league fixture at the Scunthorpe Saints on Monday by just three points in a meeting that saw Herne excluded in the last-heat decider for a fall on the first bend. The Poole Pirates asset is now targeting a return to glory against the Crusaders, which he hopes will provide the catalyst for a title charge.

Herne said: "Last Monday was very annoying and hopefully tonight will be a lot better. Refereeing decisions went against us but we also wasted good chances to pick up more points so losing that was very disappointing. However, after a slow start we are beginning to gel more as a team with everyone beginning to score and hopefully we will be able to bounce straight back by beating Sittingbourne."

Herne is particularly looking for more consistency from himself, he added: "It has been up and down so far. I have had a couple of good meetings and a couple of disappointing ones but I am working hard and I am sure everything will come together."

A big crowd is expected at the Wessex this evening and Herne is fully aware of just how important the meeting is. He said: "There is always big pressure to win at home but there is even more this season because many people are predicting that the title will come down to who has the most away wins. That is why it is so important that we make home advantage count and do not slip up against Sittingbourne who will be no pushovers. Every team in the Conference League this season is hard to beat but hopefully we can come through with a win."