PLAYERS pushing for first-team football at Dorchester Town will have a better chance of making the breakthrough if they go out to other clubs on loan first.

That is the opinion of Neil Mackie, joint-manager of the Magpies’ reserves, who feels members of his squad are not getting enough game time to show what they can do.

The reserves have played just 11 games in the last four months, with fixtures regularly being called off and players left without opportunities to prove themselves.

Some, like Lewis Brown and Chris Williams, have had a very brief taste of first-team action this season, though Mackie believes loan deals are the way forward if his players really want to push on.

“Players could make the step up to the first team but because of the way reserve-team matches are falling, if they do get a chance they might not be on their game,” he said.

“Some have had two games in a month and that’s not good enough for the lads that are trying to impress and push for first-team places.

“The best way to get the most out of the lads is to have them playing Saturdays at a good standard.

“Getting game time is definitely what they need to make that extra push.

“Shane Murphy has been out on loan and we’re going to be looking to do the same with the likes of Chris and Lewis.

“I think the first-team squad is big enough but the management would look at our lads if someone really is stepping up to the mark.”