DORCHESTER Town Ability Counts manager Calvin Brooks has hailed his players after a “hugely successful” first season.

Fielding two teams in the Dorset & Wiltshire Ability Counts League, Dorchester won the Championship title and finished as runners-up in League Two.

The Championship trophy was secured in Ferndown earlier this month as the Magpies got the points they needed to finish ahead of second-placed Weym-outh and Bournemouth in third.

Despite winning all 15 of their matches, the League Two team just missed out on the title in their division, though they did gain promotion with champions Parley Sports.

“All in all, it was a hugely successful debut season for the club,” said Brooks.

“We hope to build on this achievement next season by retaining all of the current squad, as well as adding one or two new signings.

“A huge thank you to Shaun Hearn is in order for his extremely hard work and dedication to the cause.

“Without him the Ability Counts teams wouldn’t have been able to run.

“Also, obviously a big thanks to assistant manager Josh Lucas and all the players and parents who dedicated their time to the club.”

The season had started with an 11-a-side friendly against Dexters FC which saw the arrival of Brendon Butcher, now the vice-captain, after he impressed Brooks while on trial.

Two more new signings arrived at the Avenue from rivals Weymouth in the shape of Ryan Carter and Danny Kiy, and this was followed by victories over the Terras and Bournemouth, with captain Jake Conway grabbing himself a hatful of goals.

The teams went from strength to strength throughout the season, recording some mightily impressive wins along the way.

The first team only lost three times and the seconds went the entire campaign unbeaten.

And striker Mathew Dale was on fire for the Magpies, scoring an incredible 48 goals in 17 matches.

Brooks, his support staff and the players will hold their presentation evening at Dorchester Trinity Club next Friday when ex-England boss Kevin Keegan is the guest speaker.

Tickets, priced at £50, are still available for the event, sponsored by Dorchester Timber, and anyone interested in snapping one up should call Shaun Hearn on 07976 363699 as soon as possible.