THE curtain will fall on Maurice Welch’s reign as Chickerell United manager tomorrow when Holt United pay a visit to Weymouth College to settle the race for third spot in the Dorset Premier League (3pm).

Welch, who will step down after the clash with the Bulls, has done a fine job at the Chickens, leading them to the Dorset Premier League Cup final and a guaranteed place in the top four.

However, he is not satisfied just yet and is calling on his players to finish the season with a bang. Welch said: “It has been an excellent season and the lads have all done me proud. They have given 110 per cent every week and they have learned a lot from their first year at this level. I just hope tomorrow we can go out there and show the form that has brought about the success that we have had this season. Holt can still finish third with victory, so there is a lot to play for.”

Following their penalty shootout defeat against champions Portland United in the Premier League Cup final, the Chickens drew 1-1 at Wincanton Town on Tuesday, ending their hopes of finishing runners-up.

But third spot would certainly make up for that after targeting a top-six place at the beginning of the campaign.

Welch added: “There is no doubt that the lads have exceeded all expectations this season and hopefully they will take it on to the next level next year.

“Andy Hall and Warren White are still unavailable and the the only change from Wincanton will see Scott Henley come in for Graham Biles, who misses out due to work commitments.”

Chickerell (from): A Weeks, Henley, Graham, D Welch, L Weeks, Smith, Evans, Miles, Roper, Sibley, Coltart, Etherington, S Welch.