PLAYERS who want a long-term future at Dorchester Town have “two or three weeks” to prove they are worthy of staying with the county town club, according to Stuart Heath.

Magpies’ assistant-boss Heath felt “many” of those given a chance of first-team action against Parley in midweek did not make the most of their opportunity.

With Jake Smeeton definitely out and several others doubtful with knocks, there could be another chance for those involved on Tuesday to show their worth when Dorchester entertain Wimborne Town in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy tomorrow (3pm).

In the grand scheme of things, Heath believes boss Graham Kemp is slowly but surely getting the Magpies’ squad and dressing room exactly how he wants it to be.

And, in Heath’s eyes, the next couple of games are going to be crucial for some squad members and their futures at the Avenue.

“We gave opportunities to some players on Tuesday, some took them but many didn’t,” he said.

“Players will get opportunities in the next few games but if they don’t take them then I’m not sure they are going to be at the club for too long.

“The next two or three weeks are critical for those who want to stay here to show they have got the right mentality to be at the club.

“I think Graham is here for the long haul and he has got a long-term vision for the club.

“Graham has shown he is not shy or slow to make decisions he feels are in the best interests of the team, regardless of reputations.”

Heath also likened Kemp’s position to the one Jason Matthews found himself in at Weymouth when he took over from Brendon King last season.

Heath added: “Jason took a few months to get it sorted out and it’s going to be the same with Graham.

“It’s not going to change overnight and Graham is going to need time to mould the dressing room to how he wants it.

“Like any work place, getting that belief among people takes time, but once we get that we will see more coherent performances.

“It’s a work in progress. I think we are going in the right direction, albeit slowly.”

Wimborne are seventh in Evo-Stik Division One South & West and have won their last three matches in all competitions.

Dorchester (from): Walker-Harris, Murray, Hanger, Kaye, Walker, Dillon, Oldring, Gleeson, Crittenden, Robinson, Lanahan, Hubbard, Godfrey, Smith, Odam, Joyce, Brookes, Parrett