Kiteley tipping duo to rise to the challenge (From Dorset Echo)

Kiteley tipping duo to rise to the challenge

9:50am Saturday 26th January 2013 in Sport By David Williams, Sports Reporter

YOUNGSTERS Dan Way and Calvin Brooks have been tipped to rise to the challenge during Dorchester Town’s testing fixture backlog.

Magpies’ reserve-team boss Dave Kiteley insists both could do a job if called on although their lack of game time for the second string in recent weeks is a cause for concern.

First-team assistant-manager Stuart Heath has said Way, Brooks and Harry Bell will soon get the chance to show what they can do as Dorchester cope with a severe backlog of games caused by the rain and snow.

Between them, Way and Brooks have only made three appearances for Phil Simkin’s side this season but with the Magpies’ squad looking somewhat thin on the ground an opportunity should be around the corner.

And Kiteley would have no hesitation throwing them in although he would like the duo to be a bit better prepared – their involvement with the reserves has also been badly affected by the weather.

“If Dan and Calvin are going to be involved then ideally they’d like to get some more game time under their belts first,” he said.

“Anybody stepping up after not many games will be rusty so I just hope they can do well if they are called on.

“Dan has played one game in three months but they are expected to be available for the first team.

“I’ve no doubt that Dan could step up to that level. When he’s on top of his game and playing regularly I would back him to do well.

“Dan is a very confident boy and I was very impressed when I first saw him “He is predominantly left-footed and can play left back, left midfield or in the centre of midfield “He is very comfortable at left back and I think that’s where Phil would want him to play for the first team.

“I think it will come because there are only so many games players can play and I don’t think Phil would have any hesitation if he needed Dan.

“Calvin is a different kettle of fish because he is a centre half and that’s a massive void to fill if there are any injuries.

“He is totally different to Dan. He is a lot quieter but he believes in his own ability and goes about his job with the minimum of fuss and is a very good athlete.

“Both are very promising youngsters and hopefully they will get their rewards this season and in seasons to come.”

Havant and Waterlooville are the visitors to the Avenue today (3pm) with only three points separating 11 clubs in the bottom half of the Blue Square Bet South table.

n You can sign up to the Dorchester Town e-newsletter at Dorchester Town FC.co.uk The February edition features a ‘Spot the Fan’ competition – a picture for which will be taken at today’s game – with a Nando’s voucher and two tickets for the home league match against Basingstoke Town as the prize.

Magpies: (from) Walker-Harris, Jermyn, Smeeton, Walker, Pugh, Clough, Gleeson, Martin, Critten-den, Nicholls, Watson, Bell, Way, Brooks, MatthewsDorchesterTownFC.co.uk DorchesterTownFC.co.uk DorchesterTownFC.co.uk DorchesterTownFC.co.uk