MARCH Town United’s impressive pre-season was dealt a blow this week as assistant manager James MacCallum and defender Michael Anker left the GER.

Brett Whaley’s new-look squad have enjoyed an exciting start to the season, with victory over rivals Wisbech Town in the BKD Cup kick-starting what could be a bright new era for the Hares.

But left back Anker has now decided that he cannot commit to March’s campaign in the Ridgeons First Division.

MacCallum, who led Ramsey to the Peterborough Premier League title as manager last season, has also left - choosing to take a break from football.

Whaley said: “I’m disappointed to lose Michael and James but these things happen and we will deal with it.

“We have to be flexible - you can’t just think this is what we’ve got and we’ll stick with it. We will make sure the squad is big enough.”

Centre back Chris Lenton will become March’s assistant manager and the club will look for a new first team coach. Whaley said he was in talks with two defenders in an effort to replace Anker.

In-form striker Stu Anderson was on the scoresheet again last night as March fell to a 2-1 friendly defeat against 10-man Sleaford Town at the GER.

Whaley said: “If you give Stu confidence he will do well. He’s thriving on that confidence at the minute. He seems to have a happy knack of scoring goals for us.

“The boys were frustrated at the result. They expect to go out and win every game at the moment and that’s refreshing to see.

“But it’s certainly not a bad thing to lose games in pre-season. We will learn from that and it was a good work out.”

March host neighbours Whittlesey United at the GER on Saturday. Kick-off 3pm.