DORCHESTER midfielder Nick Crittenden has called for the experienced Magpies to step up and lead the charge as they fight for their Skrill South lives away at Hayes & Yeading today (3pm).

The former Chelsea youngster, who has been with the county town club since 2008, insists they aren’t out of the running to stay up and will refuse to roll over.

He told Echosport: “It’s our job as footballers to pick ourselves up and we will go into the game with a belief that we can get a result.

“As a group of players, we are certainly not the characters to give up or throw the towel in, we are just going to give it a go until the end of the season.

“I think now more than ever, we need the experienced players in the squad to help some of the younger lads.

“They have had a tough season and when you’re fighting for your lives every week it’s not the most enjoyable thing.

“They can be very proud of themselves this season and we need to help them now more than ever.”

Regardless of Dorchester’s final outcome this term, Crittenden will be with the club next season after penning a new 12-month deal and the 35-year-old paid tribute to manager Phil Simkin.

He added: “When I was offered the deal I jumped at the chance to sign it, I might have to start playing at right-back a bit more, but I want to play as long as I can.

“Phil has always looked after me and all the players have worked hard for him this season, there is never any negativity in the dressing room and a win tomorrow for him would be massive.”