LEWIS Morgan reckons Dorchester Town have progressed “massively” under the stewardship of player-manager Mark Jermyn.

The midfielder also believes the current Magpies’ squad is the most closely-knit that he has been a part of in his career to date.

And that togetherness is clear to see when it comes to Dorchester’s form so far this season, with the county town side just three points off top-of-the-table Chippenham.

A win at home against Merthyr Town tomorrow night (7.45pm) would see Jermyn’s men make it five consecutive league matches unbeaten.

Speaking to Echosport, Morgan said: “We have come on massively since Jem has come in.

“A lot of work has gone in since then and we are a better side than we were last season.

“Jem’s recruitment has been superb and we’ve got a great bunch of lads.

“The togetherness in the squad is brilliant and I think we’d like to spend every day together if we could – you don’t really get that with many teams.

“We were a tight group a few seasons ago when we had the run in the FA Cup but the squad now is the tightest I’ve been in.”

He went on to add: “I think we would have taken the position that we’re in now at the start of the season.

“In pre-season it was looking like we were going to struggle to score goals.

“We weren’t too sure where they were going to come from but then Jonah (Ayunga) came along and everyone has chipped in.

“Injuries are going to be our biggest concern but everyone seems to be doing alright so far.”

Dad-to-be Morgan and the rest of the Magpies’ players got to enjoy a rare Saturday off at the weekend.

Former Sherborne and Tiverton man Morgan spent some of his time off carp fishing and cheering on Wales – his family hail from valleys town of Brynmawr in the south of the country – in the Rugby World Cup.

“We trained last Thursday and the manager gave us some time off over the weekend,” he said.

“It was nice to have a break as we’ve been working really hard recently.

“I’m feeling good. I’ve had a few little niggles during the season but that’s all part of the game.

“I think I’ve done alright so far but there is still plenty to come.

“I haven’t been 100 per cent happy with my performances but as a team we’ve been winning games and picking up points.”

  • Meanwhile, Chickerell United's Dorset Senior League clash with Westland Sports Reserves at the Stalls on Saturday was called off.