NICK Crittenden insists Dorchester’s young squad are up for the challenge as they lost 3-0 away to Chesham United to consign the side to their third straight league defeat.

It was also the third game in a row that the Magpies have failed to score, but the assistant player-manager feels that it will only take one good performance to get his side back on track.

Crittenden told Echosport: “It was always going to be difficult going to Chesham.

“They are a big and strong side and we have a lot of players that have never played at this level.

“This is what we’re up against, it’s going to be a steep learning curve for the players but I know the lads are up for the challenge and I think one good game could really kickstart the season.

“We wanted to be harder to break down and concentrate on not conceding.

“We started brightly, but as soon as they scored it was backs to the wall. The young players need to believe in themselves because the management believe in them.

“A win kick-starts our season and we need a clean sheet to do that.”

Tony Lee returned to the county town side on a youth loan from Eastleigh on Friday and Crittenden is hopeful he can bring a threat to the side.

He added: “He gives us more presence up front and he gives Shane (Murphy, goalkeeper) something to aim at.

“We’ve been missing that sort of player and he did well when he was here last year.

“He’s a good addition to the squad but he will need a few games under his belt.”

The Magpies will welcome back manager Mark Jermyn to the side on Monday as well as Nathan Walker to face Cirencester Town (7.45pm).