DORCHESTER Town could yet be saved from relegation to the British Gas Business League Southern Premier Division.

The fate of all Conference League clubs should be sealed on Saturday at the league's AGM.

But with the likes of Halifax Town and Nuneaton Borough suffering from financial problems, and effectively dropping down the football pyramid, the Magpies have staked a claim to retain their place in the Blue Square South despite finishing second from bottom last season.

Club secretary David Martin confirmed the club's intent.

He said: "The Conference League's AGM is this Saturday at Blackpool. We have made representation to the league and the Football Association that we should be retained in the Blue Square South.

"Boston and Halifax have been expelled while Nuneaton withdrew on Monday so there are vacancies and we've made representations."

And majority shareholder Eddie Mitchell will ensure the Magpies make their case heard.

He said: "What's happening, as I've predicted before, is that some clubs are going into receivership and falling by the wayside and this will happen more and more.

"We're putting our weight behind it and there's a slim chance we could stay up, if we do we'd be more than delighted.

"We'll argue the case as honestly and vigorously as we can on the evidence that's available."

Should Nuneaton be demoted to BGB Southern Division One Midlands and either Redditch United or Worcester City remain in the Blue Square North, as opposed to being relocated to the Blue Square South, then Dorchester may be the ones to benefit most.

The Magpies (34) won more league points than their BSN counterparts Vauxhall Motors (28) last season and that could also come into the final reckoning if a team is to be reprieved at the expense of Nuneaton.

There are numerous scenarios in terms of how the leagues will be structured, but all will be cemented this Saturday at the AGM.

Asked if he was confident that the Magpies would retain their status as a Step Two club, Martin added: "I'd rather just wait and see."

Meanwhile, Mitchell is determined not to let the county town outfit follow the path of clubs such as Halifax and Nuneaton.

He added: "I'm working hard to make the club self-supporting to guarantee its future at whatever level we play, there's no use jeopardising the club.

"We want to build gradually, and get fans coming through the turnstiles because it's their club not mine."

* Dorchester Town are offering a ten per cent discount on all 2008/09 season tickets until the end of June.

The club's season ticket prices have been frozen from last season but supporters can order their reduced rate tickets at the Jewson Stadium or by calling the club on 01305 262451.

Ticket prices are inclusive of admission to all home pre-season friendlies, one of which is against Weymouth, and the date for that has been switched to Saturday, July 19 (3pm).