DORCHESTER chairman Eddie Belt has played down fears the club is close to going into administration after owner Eddie Mitchell refused to comment on the situation.

Belt told Echosport: "It's news to me, hand on heart I can say that I have no reason to believe the rumours to be true.

"Our club, like others, hasn't got a great deal of money but the directors have been putting money in. Eddie Mitchell looks after the books so he is the person in the know."

Property developer Mitchell though, did not want to be drawn on the speculation.

One topic that is of concern to Belt is relegation.

He added: "We have to be very careful given the position we are in. We've got a few home games coming up and we need to start picking up points.

"I don't think our defence is a problem, we perhaps need another face in midfield, but we do need to start taking our chances up front."

The county town chairman openly criticised the Magpies following some lacklustre displays last month, namely the 5-2 defeat at Hampton & Richmond, and admits his opinions are yet to be altered.

He added: "I haven't changed my mind completely because there are some players who aren't ready at this level. It's not that we need to be bring in much older players, just those with more experience.

"I'm still very much behind the club and what we are trying to achieve, however, it won't happen in one fell swoop."

Belt believes the arrival of Paul Compton as the Magpies' new assistant-manager will help boost the club's fortunes and personnel.

He said: "With Paul coming in and the contacts he has, hopefully we shall see some new faces who have the experience we need. Bringing Paul to the club was a brilliant move."

And Compton has confirmed he is currently on the lookout for new talent.

He said: "The search is still ongoing and I have got one or two players marked up, but my main priority is readying the players we have for Saturday's game."

A match where Dorchester take on Blue Square Premier outfit Stevenage Borough at the Avenue Stadium in the FA Trophy, a tie Belt is very much looking forward to.

He added: "It's a good draw and a big game for us. We haven't been playing great but hopefully we will raise our game."

n The Magpies' match with Stevenage this Saturday will have segregation in place.

Dorchester fans should use turnstiles one to four and the main stand turnstile.

Stevenage meanwhile have been allo-cated the Tesco end and will use turnstiles five and six, a ruling imposed by Dorset Police.

Should the match end in a draw the replay will be on Tuesday, December 18, at Broadhall Way (7.45pm).