DAVE Kiteley believes a positive display against reigning champions Sholing tonight (7.45pm) would be the perfect fillip for his young charges.

Dorchester Town Reserves are still searching for their first point of the season following three straight defeats in the Wyvern Premier League.

And despite the daunting prospect of entertaining last season’s title winners and this term’s early pacesetters, Magpies’ boss Kiteley remains upbeat.

He said: “Sholing are a very good side. They won the league last season at a canter so they are the best side in the division.

“They have strength all over the park and a blend of experience but sometimes you need something to kick-start your season and there would be no better way of doing that than getting a decent result and performance against the champions.

“It’s not all about results but it’s good to pick up positive results as it boosts confidence.

“I just want the lads to go into it with a positive frame of mind and the same work-ethic the first team have been showing.”

Dorchester’s last outing ended in a 3-1 loss at Christchurch on Saturday – a game in which defender Lloyd Beals suffered a suspected fractured cheek-bone and eye socket.

Kiteley though, expects to have a stronger squad available for this evening’s clash at the Greene King IPA Community Stadium.

He added: “After losing you want the next game to come along as soon as possible to try and get the last one out of your system.

“I’m sure we will be stronger tonight with a few people coming back, and we may also have a couple from the first team such as Harrison Bell and Elliot Ward.”