TOWERING defender Arran Pugh is used to scaling the heights.

The 6ft 5in ace has already achieved promotion with former employers Truro City and after seeing his new club make a superb start to the season, the imposing figure believes a play-off push is well within the Magpies’ capabilities.

Dorchester Town currently lie second in Blue Square Bet South and have yet to taste defeat on home turf.

With confidence sky-high, Pugh is optimistic the county town outfit can continue their impressive start.

The 24-year-old told Echosport: “Hopefully we can push on and reach the play-offs. You don’t want to set your sights too high but you have to aim for something. We’ve had a great start and hopefully we can push on.

“We’ve had some great results against the better teams in the division. The games that have been lost have been against the so-called weaker teams so perhaps we need to ensure we put in more consistent performances in those games.”

Pugh has joined the Magpies on a one-year deal after leaving crisis-club Truro.

The Cornish outfit entered administration earlier this month and will head for oblivion unless a new buyer can be found.

Although sad to leave Treyew Road, Pugh is looking forward to embarking on a new challenge at the Avenue.

He added: “My time at Truro was brilliant – the best three years of my career so far – and I was sad to have to leave.

“I said at the start of the season I would give things another go there as I could have come to Dorchester then.

“Unfortunately things didn’t work out. I wish all the boys well down there but I’m here on a new challenge and I’m looking forward to it.

“Phil Simkin has been great. He made it clear he wanted me to come up here and did a lot to get me here.

“I’m 24 and although I’m still learning a bit, hopefully I’ve got a fair bit of experience behind me as well.”

Pugh, who made his Dorchester debut as a second-half substitute in last Saturday’s FA Cup success before turning out for the reserves on Tuesday night, can play anywhere across the back four.

But the Exeter City development coach knows he faces a huge task in trying to dislodge any member of the league’s meanest defence.

He said: “I’ve been playing as a left-sided centre-back for the last few years, so my left foot is not too bad.

“I can play either side at full-back but centre-half is where I want to be. However, the boys are doing well at the moment so it’s up to me to try and force my way in.”

On the subject of his role with the Grecians, Pugh added: “I’m the lead foundation coach there, so I already knew Jamie Reid and Jake Gosling as I worked with them when they were younger and I see them every day.

“Being involved with a professional club you pick things up on the coaching side and it can only help you when it comes to playing.”

Dorchester play host to third-placed Welling United on Saturday before travelling to table-topping Salisbury City on Tuesday night.