DORCHESTER Town forward Ben Watson is happy to lead the line for his club but admits it would be “fantastic” if an out-and-out strike partner could be found for him.

The Magpies are the lowest scorers in Blue Square Bet South this season with 21 goals in as many games, five of which have come from the 27-year-old.

A lot of the time, Watson has had to work tirelessly up front as a lone striker, a task made tougher as pitches turn to mudbaths following weeks of bad weather.

In the last few matches, Watson has linked up with Charlie Clough, a player manager Phil Simkin has moved out of defence into an attacking midfield role.

Watson is eager for Clough and the rest of the midfield to get forward in support as often as possible but says that if the club could bring in another striker it would make his job that bit easier.

“I’ve played up front on my own during my career and when you do that you’re relying on service and midfielders joining in,” he told Echosport.

“Charlie is obviously good in the air but it takes a few matches to get used to each other’s game.

“Hopefully he can get up with me more and occupy the centre halves, which will then give me that extra space to score goals.

“When you play up front on your own and the pitches are heavy it’s hard but still a great challenge. In previous seasons I’ve been alongside a big man and that allowed me to have more of a free role but this season has been tough.

“I’ve played a lot of games, which has been great, but I’ve had to do a lot of work running the channels and holding the ball up.”

On adding a new face to the squad, he added: “It is how it is at the moment.

“The squad has been trimmed and the loan players have gone back to their clubs, but if we could bring anyone in, it would be fantastic.”

As to why the side hasn’t been as prolific in front of goal as they would have hoped, Watson says it hasn’t been for a lack of trying.

Even during Monday’s 4-0 defeat at Chelmsford, the Magpies manufactured some decent chances but it is something Watson insists the players are hoping to put right.

He said: “Earlier in the season we were nicking results by staying in games and winning them near the end.

“It’s hard to play a game like ours on heavy pitches and when you’re a low-scoring team it’s not ideal.

“So we’ve got to make sure we get players forward quickly and find that formula. I’ve scored seven goals in all this season and want to get as many as I can.

“We’ve spoken as a squad and we are aware we’ve got to be better.

“We’ve proven we can beat the good sides in the league and when we’re on song that’s what we can do.

“We need to pick it up and get a positive result on Saturday.”