MAGPIES’ boss Ashley Vickers has asked for more of the same in tonight’s friendly with Crystal Palace (7.45pm).

The Npower Championship Eagles are expected to bring a strong squad when they travel to the Avenue Stadium this evening.

That means the likes of Darren Ambrose, Neil Danns and Julian Speroni could all be on show at the county town venue.

But Vickers, whose side ply their trade four tiers below Palace, is confident in the ability of his players, citing Saturday’s draw with League One Dagenham & Redbridge as cause for optimism.

He said: “I’ve been told Crystal Palace will be bringing their first-team squad down so we will try to follow on from where we left off on Saturday.

“We will also try to put out something similar to our first-team outfit, which means it probably won’t be a night for the trialists. However, there are other games coming up in which they will feature.

“One thing that I was really pleased with last Saturday was the fitness of the players, as that’s what pre-season is all about.

“The lads played a lot of Football over Friday night and Saturday but they coped well and their attitude has been exceptional.”

Vickers also announced he has yet to axe any of the county town trialists, adding: “Most of them are trying to make the step up and although some may not be for us, they will leave much fitter than they were.”

One man the manager insists will stay with the Magpies this term is midfielder Steve Devlin. Saturday’s goalscorer received rave reviews from the Daggers’ backroom staff but Vickers revealed he would rebuff any approach should his former club act on their praise for the ex-Holt United man.

He said: “Devs won’t be going anywhere. He is a big part of our plans and I want to see him fulfil his potential.

“He made a massive step up from the Dorset Premier League last year and he will step up again but I would love to see him do that with us.

“We’ve had no approach for him even though Dagenham’s scout spoke highly of him after Saturday’s game.

“He also said we looked a lot fitter and stronger than when he last saw us – when he was scouting Phil Walsh.”

Nick Crittenden hopes to make his first appearance of pre-season tonight after missing last weekend’s double header with an ankle knock.

The Premier League will pump £6m into the coffers of the Football Conference over the next three seasons.

The funding will be split into general payments made to all 68 clubs as well as a separate club development fund, which any Conference side can apply to, for specific projects.

Dorchester Town therefore, are likely to receive £6,000 per year as a result.