MARK Jermyn is expecting an improved performance from his Dorchester Town side tomorrow as they get set to take on Stratford Town at the Avenue (3pm).

The Magpies were dumped out of the FA Cup by Banbury on Saturday in a dismal showing from the hosts.

Now, Jermyn wants his players to step up, and is hopeful, after a positive week of training they will do just that.

Speaking to Echosport, the player-manager, who is looking for reinforcements to his squad, said: “We don’t need to kick-start the season, we’re seven games in and we’re behind where we should be.

“It’s important to get points on the board – we don’t want to chase games.

“We’re in a battle now and we’re up against it.

“There’s a lot of games left but we need to make every minute count on the pitch.

“We need to improve.”

He added: “We need to go back to what brought us success last season and that’s our passing game.

“We need to move the ball quicker into midfield and give our creative players more opportunity.”

“I’m really hoping, after speaking to the players, that we can get some good individual performances tomorrow.

“I hope that will have a positive effect.”

Jermyn has a clean bill of health for tomorrow’s fixture and he wants his side to help change the atmosphere around the club.

Jermyn explained: “At the moment we’re a bit down because we’ve lost a few games.

“We have to pick ourselves up, that’s everyone at the club, and really take it forward.

“Our players need to give everything to the club.”