In February 2004 he signed on loan with Non League club Gainsborough Trinity, in a month that saw him net once in five appearances Scarborough, but Dene rejected the chance to play for The Seadogs in favour of a permanent switch to local rivals Boston United.
In February 2004 he signed on loan with Non League club Gainsborough Trinity, in a month that saw him net once in five appearances The Northolme. He returned to Lincoln after his month and was subject to another loan offer, this time from Scarborough, but Dene rejected the chance to play for The Seadogs in favour of a permanent switch to local rivals Boston United.