Gary Smith prepared his Worthing Thunder side for their biggest away match to date and declared: "This is going to be like another cup final."

Thunder head west todday to meet table-topping rivals Plymouth Raiders in the NBL Conference (7.30pm) with the customary big crowd expected at the Pavilions.

Coach Smith has seen his men score four wins in the last two weekends but admits they face a real challenge if they are to add another success tonight.

He said: "Plymouth are as good as Teesside. We played them in the Trophy semis and we had them by so many points but they came back to force overtime.

"I'm looking forward to going to play there. They have got a proper arena and they get 2,500 or 3,00 people so it's a real cup final atmosphere.

He added: "This weekend will be a tell tale sign of how the season will go for us but I can't complain with how we are playing.

"This time last year we were on a losing streak but I'm not even thinking about that happening this time.

"The guys are doing a good efficient job. They are playing with some poise in their game, just like they did early in the season.

"That's got to be done right now because we will not blow teams out this late in the season.

"Generally teams cut down their rotations around about now but we have to play eight deep.

"I will use eight men every game and, if I can use more, I will."

Gaylon Moore was arguably the outstanding Thunder player in last weekend's win double over Coventry, passing 500 points for the season in Saturday's 99-60 home stroll.

Nick O'Harabe was not far behind as he continues to hit the sort of form which caught the eye of Thunder fans when he was playing against them for Solent last season.

Smith added: "Nick is playing really well. He is adding an offensive game which we haven't seen from him since before he got injured earlier in the season.

"He is not really thinking about his knee and he's playing good defence, which is all good.

"Offensively he is getting in good positions and scoring points, all within the team concept."

Smith wishes Oli Roche well as the former Thunder youngster tries his luck with the Brighton Bears.

He admitted: "I hope Oli gets a chance because it's a good situation for a youngster to be in. He played hard in practice with us and he can shoot the ball."