DORCHESTER Town kicked off their pre-season schedule tonight by using 19 players in a 2-0 loss to Steve Claridge’s Salisbury FC.

Magpies’ boss Mark Jermyn used a combination of first-team squad players and triallists during the defeat at the Avenue.

Among those Jermyn was taking a look at was former striker Dan Cann, who played the first 45 minutes, and Lewis Blackmore, on trial with Dorchester two years ago.

Youngsters such as Bridport Youth playmaker Jonah Ayunga, Josh Gosling, Max Priestwood and Miles James also got game time in the second period.

Lining up against the Magpies was ex-defender Steve Walker and former Weymouth striker Mark Ford – the latter nearly scored after coming on as a second-half substitute.

Newly-formed Salisbury, who will play in the Wessex League Premier Division this term following the collapse of Salisbury City last year, scored once in either half.

Kane O’Keefe got the first on 36 minutes and substitute Ashley Jarvis grabbed the second with seven minutes of the game left.

Dorchester struggled to create chances throughout the contest and the closest they came to finding the net was from a Jake Smeeton free-kick which struck the post just before the interval.

The hosts made four changes at half-time and then another four on 70 minutes, with Jason Brookes, Shane Murphy and Sam Old all coming off the bench to play a part.

Jermyn’s men now move on to Bridport next Tuesday before hosting Yeovil Under-18s two days later.