DORCHESTER Town have extended the loan deal of forward Archie Collins by a further 28 days.

Exeter City loanee Collins scored his first Magpies goal in the 1-0 win against Redditch United, a fixture that also doubled as his maiden start for the club.

And the industrious youngster, 18, has sufficiently impressed boss Steve Thompson to lengthen his stay at the county town club.

Speaking to Echosport, Thompson had sympathy for Collins after a slow start to his loan spell, owing to other players' form.

He said: “It’s been tough for him, he came in when we played against Farnborough and of course we won 4-0 and it was very hard to change it.

“I thought (Redditch) was obviously his first 90 minutes, he came off two minutes from the end, but he still played 90 minutes and he’s done well.

"It's very hard because he only started his first game for us against Redditch.

"He showed some glimpses in the second half (against Slough). He's got good energy and he's a good runner with the ball.

"We hope he'll develop as the loan goes on."

Collins could start his third game in succession against Hereford on Saturday (3pm), having been restricted to substitute appearances prior to his maiden start against Redditch.

Collins said: “I am delighted to have another month and helping the boys out trying to get the three points every week.

“We have got a good group down here, good coaching staff and we have got really good fans as well.

Speaking about his own performances at Dorchester, Collins said: “Personally I think I have been doing quite well when I have been on the pitch.

“The baseline is just work rate just to help the team out because we have got a big squad.

“The manager wants hard working players.

“It is a wonderful club to be on loan at and it is just great experience, the lads are all fun it is a good team with good footballers.”