DORCHESTER Town first-team coach Stuart Heath is full of praise for the spirit in the Magpies’ camp at present.

The county town side battled back from a goal down to seal an impressive 2-1 friendly win at Poole Town on Friday night.

And going in to their next pre-season test at Wessex League champions Portland United this evening (7.45pm), Heath is happy with the way the squad is shaping up.

He told Echosport: “You can see the trust and the respect between the players growing after each training session and each game.

“Our league is very physical and there are lots of battles each week. If you have that team spirit I think you are some way there to being successful.

“You obviously need good players and lots of other things but I think team spirit is absolutely crucial.

“From what I have seen so far, the players seem to get on well, we have a good bunch with good strength in depth at the moment.

“It’s down to the players to keep repeating the standards, the application and the work ethic that they showed on Friday, and try and do it in every game they play.

“At the moment, every one of those players in the squad are on the same page with each other and that can only be a positive thing going into the start of the season.”

A number of former Portland players made the switch to the Avenue after winning the league title with the Blues’ last season.

And Heath, a former Portland United manager, admitted he always looks forward to returning to Grove Corner.

“It’s a great club with a great set-up and great people there,” he said when asked about the Blues.

“You are always made to feel very welcome at Portland and it’s always a pleasure to go back there really.

“With the way they do things, the facilities and the people there, it’s always very enjoyable and I am looking forward to it.”