EXCITED boss Paul Crosbie has backed his new-look March Town United side to silence their doubters with a top-half league finish.

The Hares have endured a tough pre-season after the departure of former manager Brett Whaley prompted a raft of squad changes.

But Crosbie saluted their best performance of the warm-up campaign after a spirited 3-2 loss against United Counties League side Sleaford Town last night.

“The attitude was the most pleasing thing,” he said. “We lost three sloppy goals but instead of feeling sorry for ourselves we responded.

“We were wounded after the 8-1 defeat to Wisbech and the lads got a beasting in training after how they played.

“We felt we had to prove a point and hopefully the message is loud and clear now.”

Goals from Giuliano Staffieri and Robbie Masters helped the Hares fight back against Sleaford after they trailed 3-0 at half time.

Crosbie also met with the manager of a higher league club yesterday, and looks set to establish a link which will see young players loaned to the GER.

“Everyone is telling me I’m going to have a difficult year,” he said.

“But I genuinely believe I have a squad that’s capable of consolidating in the top half of this league.

“I’m excited and raring to go and I think the lads are too. I’m like a kid at Christmas.”

March travel to Debenham LC for their Thurlow Nunn First Division opener on Saturday before hosting Newmarket Town on Tuesday.

Adam Sutton and Sam Darlow look set to play on Saturday after shrugging off injuries, while James McDonough and Aaron Bailey are missing.

Darren Rawthorn has opted to leave the GER, while centre-back Tony Brown, who had been set to sign for the Hares, now looks likely to take up an offer from another club.