LEWIS Horsburgh has revealed how a kind word from a close friend helped him secure a move to Dorchester Town.

The striker, who made his first-team debut against Redditch last Saturday, joined the Magpies earlier this month after impressing during training sessions with Mark Jermyn’s squad.

And it is one of those squad members, Bradley Tarbuck, who the 19-year-old has to thank after the Portsmouth loanee “put in a good word” for him with the county town boss.

Now that he is part of the Magpies’ set up, the youngster wants to make the most of the opportunity that has come his way.

So far things have gone well – Horsburgh was given his league bow at the weekend following a four-goal haul for the reserves just a few days earlier.

“I’m good friends with Bradley,” he told Echosport. “I’d played with him at Portsmouth since we were 10 years old.

“He told me about Dorchester and said that he was really enjoying it, and he also said there were a good bunch of lads at the club.

“He put a word in for me with the manager and the move came from that.

“I’m loving it, it’s a great club, and the staff are really welcoming. It’s like I’ve been here all season.”

Horsburgh, previously with Horndean and Portchester after being released by Pompey last May, is hoping to do enough between now and the end of the campaign to be at the Avenue next season.

“I just want to try and play in the first team and score as many goals as I can,” added Horsburgh, who dislocated his shoulder at the beginning of the term.

“Hopefully I can then be in the manager’s plans for next season and start afresh, and get Dorchester further up the league.”