SALTASH UNITED 0

DORCHESTER TOWN 2

DORCHESTER boss Steve Thompson felt the Magpies “thoroughly deserved” to beat Saltash United 2-0 in their opening pre-season fixture.

Goals from a left-sided midfield trialist and Ben Morris in either half handed Dorchester victory, but Thompson was more enthused by the “attitude and work ethic” shown by his charges.

He told Echosport: “It was a good workout and we managed to get 21 players playing. I didn’t really want anyone to play 90 (minutes), but unfortunately Ross Carmichael had to.

“We played well and won the ball back well. The attitude and work ethic from all the players was spot on and I thought we showed some quality at times.

“I was happy with the fitness levels but I don’t go in with any sort of expectations. The desire was there for everyone to see. It was difficult with the hot and dry weather the pitch was dry, so it was difficult in that respect.”

Thompson believes the game added to excellent work in training, and reported no injury problems following the encounter.

He said: “The lads have worked very well. It’s hard when you’re part-time, some players have done five or six sessions and others haven’t managed that due to work.

“I do understand that – we’re a semi-professional club. We had a few blisters but no injuries, so that’s great.”

Commenting on the trialists who were blooded during the fixture, Thompson explained that they would need further assessment before any moves came to fruition.

He said: “I need to see them a little bit more, but I was pleased with the work ethic.”

Dorchester began brightly but Saltash fashioned the first major chance when Callum Martindale’s delivery was headed just over by Ryan Richards. 

The Ashes’ Sam Farrant was then on hand to scoop a goalbound shot off the line as the Magpies retaliated.

Thompson’s men would lead soon afterwards though, as the lively Tom Blair sent in a cross for the trialist to touch home past Saltash stopper Ryan Rickard.

Dorchester might have doubled their lead before half-time following good work from Dom Panesar-Dower, but a trialist fired wide of goal.

Amidst the usual flurry of substitutions, Saltash saw Sam Hughes fire over from inside the area but Dorchester later grabbed their second when Morris nodded beyond sub gloveman Ash Clelland.

Saltash: Rickard (Clelland 71), Barker (Summerfield 71), Martindale, Lewis, O’Brien (Leary 53), Russell, Wilson, Farrant, Hughes, Richards (Phillips 71), Trott (Maddison 53). Subs not used: Cusack, Godfrey

Magpies: Trialist, Egan (Trialist 79), Martin (Brookes 68), Trialist (Trialist 72), Carmichael, Stewart (Trialist 63), Lowes, Blair (Bastick 63), Trialist (Lowes 46), Panesar-Dower, Trialist (Winsper 46).

Attendance: 75