JIM Dixon is backing his Basingstoke side to build upon their first league win of the season by claiming the scalp of London one leaders Worthing.

Confidence is high in the 'Stoke camp after their 28-5 win over Thanet last weekend at Down Grange.

Senior coach Dixon said: "It's made a big difference to everyone - there's a real buzz about the dressing room and the boys.

"They've proved to themselves they are capable of playing good rugby and winning. Now I want us to push on from here - no excuses.

"We go from one extreme to the other, playing Thanet and then Worthing, but we are all looking forward to it.

"The guys like playing the bigger sides and rise to the occasion. Of course, as a coach, you want that attitude for all games, but I know they are up for this one."

However, Dixon has been forced into three team alterations, two of which he is not pleased about.

Hooker Matt Evans, who has been playing after pain-killing injections because of bruised and cracked ribs, suffered another injury to his ribcage against Thanet.

He is replaced by prop Phil Perkins, who moves across the front-row, while Dragons prop Mark Rushworth is given his first senior team opportunity.

"Mark's been involved the whole time, so this is a natural progression," said Dixon.

But the changes Dixon isn't happy about concern the absence of Simon Appleby and Simon Buckland, both due to family commitments.

"It's frustrating after winning, because you want to keep a winning team together," he said.

Ex-director of rugby Ian Calder's registration has been secured from Bracknell and he will start at outside centre in place of Buckland.

He was due to play last weekend, but there was a wrangle between the clubs that was only sorted on Tuesday.

Dixon said: "Ian will certainly contribute positively to our backline and the side."

'Stoke: Matt Lucas, Ollie Rogers, Ian Calder, Vincent Feausi, Carl White, Sebastian Berti, Andy Byett/Darren Lillywhite; Steve Collins, Phil Perkins, Mark Rushworth, Andy Wilson, Ross Stirling, Chris Hampson, Tom Northcote, Jim Dixon. Replacements: Mark Bushnell, Dan Rees, Simon Humberstone.