ASHLEY Vickers claimed to be “over the moon” following the capture of Chris Flood.

The 21-year-old bagged two goals during a successful one-month loan spell with the Magpies and was set to rejoin parent club Crawley Town last week.

However, the lively forward was deemed surplus to requirements by the Blue Square Bet Premier big-spenders and Dorchester made their move, clinching a permanent deal on Friday afternoon.

Flood was therefore able to retain his place in the starting XI as Dorchester took on Boreham Wood at the weekend. And although the match ended goalless, Vickers could not hide his excitement.

The county town boss said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to get him on board. The chairman Shaun Hearn made a commitment to sign him and I’m really grateful for that.

“I’m also thankful for the all work he, David Martin (vice-chairman) and Keith Kellaway (general manager) did in making sure Chris was able to play on Saturday.

“He is a thoroughly decent young man and we will look after him here. He’s shown that he has good morals as well, as he could have tried to hold out for more money elsewhere.

“Instead he has shown his commitment to us and he will fit in really well.”

News of Flood’s signature comes at a vital time with the Magpies set to lose the services of striker Rico Wilson for the foreseeable future.

Vickers briefly added: “Rico was unavailable on Saturday and we may lose him for a little while, so we might have to look at bringing in someone else as we only had four substitutes at Boreham and that included myself.”

Meanwhile, fellow forward Jamie Mudge has signed dual registration forms with Toolstation Western League outfit Willand Rovers in an attempt to regain match fitness.