DORCHESTER Town boss Craig Laird is hoping to give some of the club’s young stars a chance to prove themselves in Saturday’s game at Biggleswade Town (3pm).

Following the week’s departures of Matt Oldring and Franklyn Clarke, the Magpies’ manager is keen to give his young stars chance to prove themselves after starring for Rich Robson’s reserve team this season.

He said: “It’s been a tough week after losing on Saturday and then having to let two of the players go, which has had a bit of an effect on the squad, but hopefully the lads are professional enough to know they have jobs to do, and it means the door opens to other players to stake their claim who have been waiting patiently.

“It’s always sad to lose players when they’ve been at the club for so long, but football does go on. It’s human nature and it will be strange for a while but the players know they have to make their own mark on the team.”

Laird hinted at handing opportunities to the likes of Ollie Davis, Owen Nicolson, Billy Mitchell and Sol Ayunga in the coming weeks.

The Magpies’ boss believes it is a huge opportunity for the youngsters to make their mark in the first team set-up.

He said: “I think it’s great because it gives a chance to some of the younger crop and it’s up to them to pick the baton up and make sure they’re ready.”