MAGPIES’ manager Mark Jermyn insists “there is no time like the present” for the county town outfit to start putting in the hard yards for next season.

The Avenue boss, who returned to the squad after illness during the 1-0 home defeat against Leamington last Saturday, has already warned his troops that they are “playing for their futures” as part of the Dorchester Town set-up next term.

The Magpies have lost five out of their last six games in all competitions, and will be looking to bounce back when they host Biggleswade Town at the Avenue tomorrow (3pm).

Jermyn told Echosport: “When I look at back at how we have played, I think there aren’t too many times this season where we have been a million miles away from the teams we have played, which is always a positive.

“It just means that we know we have got to work harder next season now.

“We have to identify areas that we have to improve on and there is no time like the present.

“So we will start looking now for next season, and continue to work off the base we have created this season.”

He added: “The league doesn’t lie over the course of the season but we haven’t been too far away and I think last Saturday (against Leamington) showed it.”

Jermyn was also hoping that the majority of his squad would be “back fighting fit” at training last night but midfielder Franklyn Clarke is set to miss out through suspension against the Waders, who would leapfrog the Magpies in the Evo-Stik Southern premier Division with a win.

* Dorchester Town Reserves suffered a 4-0 defeat at AFC Portchester Reserves in the Wyvern Premier Division.

MATCH ODDS

Dorchester eve    
Draw 3/1
Biggleswade Town 7/4

SPECIALS

Dorchester to win match and both teams to score 9-4

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