DORCHESTER Town face a tricky test against mid-table Dunstable Town at the Avenue on Saturday (3pm).

The Magpies will be fighting to get some points on the board as they face the reality of a relegation battle, but Craig Laird believes his squad are realistic about the challenge ahead.

He said: “The players, the board, the fans and I are all disappointed with the results at the moment but we’ve all got to realise where we are.

“We’re in a tough league and the teams at the top are tough hence why they’re there.

“All the players are determined to do well, they’re all good lads and all training well so hopefully the work they’re putting in can pay dividends on Saturday.”

The weekend’s opponents Dunstable are sitting comfortably in 14th position, and Laird is hopeful that his side can give them something to think about.

He said: “I went to watch Dunstable against Weymouth and you could see their game plan.

“They’re defensively strong, they keep everyone behind the ball and they work hard for each other. They’ve got a couple of talented players and Vences Bola up front is quick and determined so we have to make sure we keep an eye on him and don’t give the ball away in areas where they can hurt us.

“But Weymouth showed you can get at them because they scored three goals.”

Coming off the back of a run of nine games without a win, the Magpies boss is looking to make changes to his system.

He said: “The players are up for the fight. Ever since I’ve been here and probably before they’ve been a determined group.

“We have to make changes. Anyone with any football knowledge knows that we can’t keep going how we are. We need to set up so we don’t lose games first of all, make sure everyone knows there roles so we can pick up results and then we can gain momentum.”

Laird confirmed the news that Ollie Griggs is set to be out for six weeks with a broken hand while David Jerrard may return after suffering with the flu.