BRIAN Churchill anticipates a “period of change” for Dorchester Town Under-23s following the Magpies’ stunning league and cup double this season.

Boss Churchill expects under-23 stars Josh Baxter and Josh Phillips to challenge for first-team positions in the 2022/23 season.

Dorchester’s best under-18 talents could be given more regular game time in the under-23s, proving that the Magpies’ pathway is working.

Speaking after the 5-1 Hampshire Combination and Development Challenge Cup win over Gosport, Churchill said: “I think there’s going to be a period of change for us.

READ MORE: Dorchester U23s 5-1 Gosport U23s - match report

“I’d expect the likes of Josh Baxter, who I thought was man of the match for us, to be pushing the first team next season and Josh Phillips to be around it.

“Obviously, George Calverley’s had a taste of it this season and a number of others will be knocking on the door in pre-season.

“Marcus Smith’s done his chances no harm. That just opens up opportunities for the under-18s to step up to the 23s and have that pathway through to the first team.

“It’s a period of change. That group of players we’ve had together for 18 months, two years and that’s the end of that cycle.

“We’ll be looking to continue what we do with a different set of players.”