DORCHESTER Town have announced the loan signing of Exeter City defender Toby Down on an initial one-month deal.

Down, whose final game in a loan spell at Weymouth came against Hitchin Town earlier this month, is expected to come into the Magpies’ side when they host Slough Town at the Avenue tomorrow (3pm).

The move to sign the central defender comes after Gary Bowles was ruled out for the season with a fractured ankle, sustained in the game against Dunstable Town last week.

Speaking of the signing, Craig Laird expressed his pleasure at the signing.

He said: "Toby’s an old-fashioned central defender.

"He attacks the ball and will hopefully give us a bit more security because we’ve lost two centre-backs, so hopefully he’ll give us a bit more stability there for the next month or so.

"From the reports I’ve had he’s a good centre-back. He’s young but he’s a good defender so if we can get him some games hopefully he can help us out."

With fixtures coming thick and fast, Laird emphasised the need for a full squad.

He said: "We have to be prepared. If someone pulls up with an injury or gets a suspension you have to make sure you’re covered for these possibilities."