MATT Groves has admitted to feeling frustrated by a lack of action in recent weeks but is determined to do everything in his power to regain his spot in the Magpies’ starting XI.

Dorchester’s leading scorer, who came off the bench on Saturday to dispatch a last-minute penalty and earn his side a point at Welling United, has nine goals in all competitions this season.

But with added competition in the Magpies’ striking department, the 29-year-old has been restricted to just one start in the last five matches.

Groves, who has made 16 starts and 11 substitute appearances in this Blue Square South campaign, said: “It’s been quite frustrating but you can’t do too much about it as it’s the manager’s decision.

“We’ve got a lot of strikers going for just two spots and that can only be a good thing. When I do get a chance I just have to try and perform to the best of my ability.

“I feel that if I play regularly I will get goals and I believe my record this season is okay given the amount of starts I’ve made.”

Groves’ spot-kick at Welling – his 146th goal for the county town club – was surprisingly Dorchester’s first penalty of the season.

Describing the last-minute incident, the Magpies’ stalwart added: “I just grabbed the ball and tried to hit it as hard as I could.

“Having come off the bench it was the best opportunity to get a goal and luckily it went in and we got a draw.

“I’ve been on penalty duties this season but that was our first of the season, which is a shame as it’s only added one to my tally.

“It was a good point at Welling though, as anything away from home is a bonus. There was not a lot between the two teams, it was just a case of who took their chances and in the end we made them pay.”

Currently in his 11th season with the club, Groves is already committed to next term’s competition having signed a one-year extension.

And he agrees with the Magpies’ policy of offering bonus-related deals.

He said: “It’s going back to the way we used to have it under Mark Morris and it’s much better. At this level of football there should be some incentive for players, and having the chance to earn extra money is a good thing.

“There’s not as much money at this level as there was two or three years ago so this is the best way of encouraging success.”

The Magpies host Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday, hoping to move 12 points clear of danger.

Groves added: “It’s a winnable game and there’s no reason why we can’t beat them. We just need to get a few more wins and move towards mid-table. If we can achieve that then it will be a very successful season after the last few years.”