NEW Dorchester Town signing Ashley Pope feels joining the Magpies is an “exciting prospect” after the teenage striker netted on his debut in the 2-2 Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division draw at Chesham United.

Trailing 1-0 at half-time, Pope equalised for his new club five minutes after the restart and played the entire 90 minutes up front for boss Steve Thompson’s side.

Pope, 18, has moved to the Avenue Stadium from Bournemouth on a work experience loan and described the opportunity as a “new challenge” as he gathers further experience of men’s football.

He told Echosport: “Going to a new club you want to get your first goal as soon as possible, it was really good.

“I was told on Friday before the game that I would be playing, and I started. I was quite excited by it, it’s a new challenge for me and one I’m looking forward to progressing in.

“I just turned up for training with Bournemouth. I was pulled into the office by Al Connell (under-18s head coach).

“He said ‘I’ve been on the phone to Dorchester in the last few days and they’re keen to take you’. They said it would be a great opportunity.

“As soon as I was told I was looking forward to it. It’s a new club and a new challenge so it’s an exciting prospect for me.”

Pope also revealed he had been made to feel at home by his new team-mates and was encouraged by Thompson’s praise for his performance.

“They all made me feel very welcome early days and they helped me through little bits in the warm-up and on the pitch.

“I felt like part of the team, which is good. (Thompson) said before the game the style of play and what he expected from me and wanted me to do.

“He seemed very happy with what I did, so that’s obviously very good for me. It’s always nice to know you’re doing well and hear someone say that your performance at the weekend was good, so that’s very pleasing,” he said.

Pope, who enjoyed a successful recent loan spell at Christchurch, scoring six goals, admitted he has not set any targets for his time with the Magpies, but added he would be “more than happy” to emulate his form with the Priory.

He said: “No (targets) as yet, really. I’m just trying to go out and enjoy playing football. Christchurch was my first exposure to men’s football so to learn how to deal with the physicality it was quite good for me to go out there and just get used to being in men’s football.

“I think I got six in eight or nine games. If I get anything like that (at Dorchester) I’d be more than happy.”

With fellow Cherries’ under-18s team-mate Antonio Diaz having played at the Magpies this season in an identical loan, Pope explained that he had spoken to the Spaniard about the club before moving.

He said: “I spoke to him after I found out and he was full of praise for the club. He said what a good outfit it was and gave me a few pointers about how they play and what to expect.

“I already knew a little bit about the club so I wasn’t going in 100 per cent blind.”