Simkin eyes a striker (From Dorset Echo)

Simkin eyes a striker

9:50am Saturday 5th January 2013 in Sport By David Williams, Sports Reporter

PHIL Simkin has indicated that he will soon be dipping into the transfer market with a striker likely to be his top priority.

Goals have been at a premium for the Magpies this season with only 18 scored in 16 Blue Square Bet South matches.

On-loan duo Dan Thompson and George Colson made their league debuts against Truro City on Tuesday but both men are woefully short of match practice.

Ben Watson has been leading the line with Simkin also having the option of Richard Logan and Sam Malsom, while dual-contracted Warren Byerley is playing for Poole Town.

“Ben Watson has been tremendous,” said Simkin. “He has battled on his own for most of the season and always works hard for the team.

“We are doing our best to get him some help but as normal we are limited by finances.

“I’m concerned about the lack of goals but we’ll do what we can to boost our goal tally.

“We brought Dan Thompson in and he scored on his full debut against Truro but for him and George Colson it was their first game in 12 weeks and they’re not match fit.

“You can train all day every day but there’s no substitute for match fitness.

“They are both good players but it’s whether we can afford for them to play themselves fit in important games.

“There will be some movement in and out of the club at some stage but I can’t say anything more than that at the moment.

“Warren Byerley is a possibility in the future but he’s a Poole player right now.”

Dorchester haven’t had as much trouble keeping the ball out of their own net than they have putting it in at the other end.

And they will be boosted by the return of central defensive pairing Charlie Clough and Arran Pugh for today’s clash with Hayes & Yeading at the Avenue (3pm).

“Both will come back into the side,” added Simkin. “I’m pleased to have them back, they are quality players.

“Clough can play anywhere on the pitch. He’s been a massive success for us and I’m glad to have him back.”

* Dorchester Reserves are away at Wimborne Town (3pm) in the Wyvern Combination League Premier Division today.