HIGH-FLYING Dorchester Town have become a prime target, according to manager Phil Simkin.

A dream start to the Blue Square Bet South campaign has put the Magpies level on points with table-topping Salisbury City.

But given their lofty status at this early stage, Simkin believes his men are now viewed by other teams as a potential scalp.

He told Echosport: “We are joint-top but we are there to be shot at.

“It takes a bit of getting used to seeing us at the top but we want to stay there. We have though become a scalp, which is not something we are used to.”

Tomorrow sees Dorchester Town travel to new-boys AFC Hornchurch (3pm).

And the Urchins enter the clash in confident mood having gained their maiden victory of the season last time out.

Simkin added: “I have done a lot of work to try and get some information on Hornchurch so we have an idea of what we will be up against.

“They won 2-0 at Basingstoke last Saturday, which tells you they are a decent side. They have been finding their feet at this level and it’s a very dangerous game for us.

“Our biggest enemy tomorrow could be ourselves. We can’t think that having beaten the likes of Bath and Chelmsford, everybody else will just lay down in front of us.

“To go to Basingstoke and win is no mean feat. It will have given them a boost and they will be flying after last Saturday.

“When you play away from home the aim is to try and secure a point. If you’re in a position to go and take all three, that would be excellent.

“We will look to get another good result as we want to keep the run going.”

Jamie Gleeson (groin) and Ben Watson (hamstring) are expected to feature at the Hornchurch Stadium but there are still doubts surrounding the fitness of skipper Mark Jermyn (thigh).

Simkin, whose Magpies have won four games on the bounce, said: “It’s looking as though Glees and Ben will be okay but I’m not quite sure about Jem at the moment. We will have a look at him.

“Nick Crittenden should though be 100 per cent now having come on last weekend and had a week’s rest. He made a difference when he came on and gives us that extra bit of quality.”

Magpies (from): Matthews, Jermyn, Bell, Martin, Clough, Walker, Gleeson, Nicholls, Morgan, Crittenden, Ward, Gosling, Malsom, Watson, Reid, Carlile.

* Dorchester Town A team are on the hunt for new players and will be holding a recruitment drive at the stadium tomorrow afternoon (12.30-2pm).

Contact manager Glenn Donovan on 07815036887, 01929 463409 or glen.grassroots@hotmail.co.uk