THE Avenue Stadium has proved a happy hunting ground for Ben Watson in the past and the predatory forward aims to continue that record next season – but this time in the black and white of Dorchester Town.

The 26-year-old’s last visit to the county town venue saw him find the net last August in a 3-0 win for former club Eastbourne Borough.

But after becoming the Magpies’ second summer signing last week, Watson is determined to bring joy to the Avenue faithful, instead of the usual pain. He told Echosport: “I seem to score every time I play at Dorchester so hopefully I will do that next season, but this time for Dorchester as opposed to against them.

“When I was at Bognor we enjoyed some good results against Dorchester but hopefully now I can help get some good results for Dorchester.”

Manager Phil Simkin fought off interest from a host of clubs in order to get his man and the former Exeter City striker is confident he made the right decision, following a glowing reference from ex-Magpie Tom Nichols.

Watson added: “With my girlfriend living in Exeter, last season I would play a game and drive all the way to Exeter.

“It was a long drive and it was hard to commit – I couldn’t quite give my best.

“But I have now moved to Exeter, which is what I always wanted to do.

“Dorchester came in for me, I spoke to Phil and I was impressed with the team when I played against them earlier this year.

“They are a different team to when I played them at the start of the season.

“I also spoke to Tom and he spoke highly of the club. I wanted to join a club with a good football nature.

“Everyone at Dorchester is comfortable on the ball and with the way they play and create chances, it certainly interested me. Play-ing in the right team, I will score goals.

“Now all that driving is out of the way, I can concentrate on my football and get back to where I want to be, which is playing at the highest level possible. Hopefully that will be with Dorchester.”

The county town fans have given an overwhelming thumbs-up to Watson’s arrival, to which the latter said: “It’s great that I am wanted, hopefully I will repay them with goals.

“I want to do well for the club but also for myself.

“It should be a competitive league this season but hopefully we can do even better than last season.”