DORCHESTER Town’s Luke Winsper has labelled his recent injury troubles as “frustrating” ahead of the Magpies’ Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division trip to Stratford Town tomorrow (3pm).

Winsper has endured knee and ankle problems this campaign, keeping the combative midfielder out for a total of 11 weeks.

However, after playing all 90 minutes of the 2-2 draw at Chesham United on his comeback, ending a period of three weeks out with an ankle knock sustained at Slough in January, Winsper cut a relieved figure.

He told Echosport: “It’s a bit frustrating but the eight weeks I had out with my knee was my own fault going in for a tackle on the halfway line. It was something I could have avoided.

“The ankle injury is just the way it (catches) if I go in for a tackle. I always have niggles in my ankle but the Slough game on the astro the guy that tackled me I don’t know how he didn’t get booked or sent off.

“I planned to have an injury free year but three games in I got injured. I was struggling (in the) last 10 minutes against Chesham but to be thrown in for a full 90 minutes was great.”

Winsper also echoed the thoughts of several Dorchester players this season when praising boss Steve Thompson for his impact at the club since taking over from Craig Laird in September.

He said: “As soon as he came in he’s been a class manager. His training and everything he does is great. He gets on well with all the lads and we’ve never stopped fighting.

“The style of play we’ve got, pressing on the counter-attack, is the way we’ve all got used to.

“He’s been a great manager, he’s been good with me and kept in touch and as soon as I’ve been available he’s put me in. I couldn’t ask for much more.

“I enjoy the pressing game, we’re a good unit. I love it and we all enjoy playing it – it suits me down to the ground.”

Winsper revealed he has been revelling in a midfield partnership with Billy Lowes, with the pair reunited having played together at Weymouth.

He said: “Me and Billy get on really well. In our Weymouth days we played together and Saturday I came in and he was on the bench.

“The gaffer said to him he’s been playing a lot of games. He’s young and he’s got potential – everyone is still learning.

“I love playing with him and all the lads, we all get on as a bunch. If one gets dropped there’s no bad feeling.

“Players come in and out of form but we’re a good bunch and we all stick together. Some clubs don’t have that.”

Boss Steve Thompson expects two absentees and two returnees for the match in Warwickshire, with new signing Lewis Leigh-Gilchrist set to make the squad.

He said: “He comes into contention, we only sorted it out on Friday. It’s a bit difficult because he doesn’t drive.

“Callum (Rose) is suspended and Phil Ormrod has osteitis pubis. I’ve had it, it’s very painful.

“Jason Brookes had illness and injury. I think he’s fit because he was due to play for the reserves.”