ALTHOUGH “gutted” to be out of action for at least a month, Ben Dickenson is counting his blessings.

The Magpies’ striker left the Raymond McEnhill pitch on a stretcher three days ago after damaging ankle ligaments early in the second half of the county town side’s 1-0 win at Salisbury.

Dickenson could now be missing for up to six weeks but admits he feared the worst as he lay wounded on the deck.

The 18-year-old told Echosport: “Nothing’s broken, I think I’ve just pulled the ligaments in my ankle.

“That’s what I’ve been told by everyone but I may still try and get a scan on it to see what’s exactly going on.

“At first I thought I had done a lot more damage. I thought I had broken it so I’m quite lucky in that sense.

“I’ve done the ligaments in my left ankle before but not as bad as this. I was out for three weeks then but now people have said I will be out for four to six weeks.

“I’m gutted to be out for so long and I’ll really miss playing. The more I have been playing the more I have been getting used to this level and playing with the rest of the boys.”

With seven goals and six assists to his name, Dickenson has played a pivotal role in the Magpies’ surge up the Blue Square Bet South table, but is confident his fellow forwards will continue to fire in his absence.

He added: “Andrew White is a good player and we’ve got to try and utilise his pace. I’m sure he and Rico Wilson can work together, and if they get into the right areas I’m sure the boys won’t miss me too much.”

Dorchester, who host rock-bottom Thurrock on Saturday, currently occupy seventh spot, four points adrift of the play-offs but having played more games than anyone else.

Dickenson said: “Considering where we were earlier in the season, we have totally turned things around.

“It’s better to have the points on the board and it’s nice to be up there with the likes of Dartford, Welling and Dover.

“Woking are running away with the title a bit but it’s still close from second down to eighth.”

Dickenson’s injury has coincided with the opening of the January transfer window.

Since his arrival last May, the former Christchurch man has attracted interest from a number of higher-ranked clubs, including Champ-ionship heavyweights Crystal Palace.

But the teenager is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

Asked about the growing speculation, Dickenson said: “At first it was hard to get my head around it and keep my emotions separate as I’m only 18. But now, if there are clubs looking at me then so be it, I’ll just worry about where I am now.

“I’ve managed to get the balance right between concentrating on where I am now and knowing that other clubs are looking at me.

“It’s something you dream of growing up but you have to keep your head down and focus on what you are doing.

“It’s been a massive jump coming up from the Wessex League at such a young age and it helps having my family behind me.

“For me it’s all about getting fit, getting the right rehab and doing what I’m told.”

Monday’s victory saw the Magpies gain revenge for their Boxing Day defeat at the hands of the Whites.

The 3-0 loss was the first of Alan Knight’s tenure and Dickenson has been impressed with his new boss.

He added: “He could have come in, changed a lot and ruined things but he’s not done that. He’s been great, he’s let us get on with our football and since coming in we’ve only lost one game.”

* Last night’s reserve-team clash was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.