MARTINSTOWN captain Ed Nichols believes surviving the drop “won’t make a big difference” to his side as they prepare to host Sherborne in the Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League at Lower Ashton Farm (1pm) tomorrow.

Nichols’ men, who easily secured the single point they needed against Stalbridge to remain in the top flight next year, will not change their “expansive” approach now relegation is not a threat.

He told Echosport: “It was chalked off early in the game. It gives us an opportunity to come back next year and hopefully improve on it.

“I think we tend to play expansive cricket anyway. Maybe in the case of some of the younger guys they may feel free to play some shots. It probably won’t make a big difference.”

At Stalbridge, Nichols experimented with captaincy and wicketkeeping options, relinquishing those roles to Sam Kershaw and Sean Williams.

While Kershaw will remain in the hot seat, Nichols will regain the gloves for the visit of Sherborne.

“Sam did a great job and he’ll take it on for another week. We’re just trying different permutations to see what works.

“In certain areas he was aggressive with the changes and he had a good sense of game management. Having not played under him in the past it was really impressive to see,” Nichols said.

“I know for a fact Sean was absolutely knackered by the end of it! At the same time I do enjoy keeping wicket. He did a great job but it’s not a reflection of his keeping.”

Martinstown will be without Monty Payne, Matt Camp and Mike Kennedy-Barnard, while Chris Read and Ryan Chase return.