ASHLEY Vickers says he is prepared to continue putting on his boots if Dorchester Town’s injury crisis fails to ease.

The Magpies’ manager came out of retirement on Saturday and played the full 90 minutes in the 2-0 reversal at Blue Square Bet South promotion chasers Farnborough.

Second-half goals from Bradley Bubb and ex-Terra Michael Malcolm condemned the county town outfit to their second consecutive defeat inside five days.

With Gary Bowles suspended and Doug Bergqvist injured, Vickers had been left with no other option but to resurrect his playing career.

And the 39-year-old admitted that, should Dorchester’s selection difficulties not be alleviated, his return to on-pitch duty may not be a brief one.

Vickers told Echosport: “I always say to the lads that I’d be the first to put my body on the line, and so I had the chance to prove it by being out there with them.

“I finished playing some time ago, so to come back is not ideal, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and the physicality of the game.

“Gary should be back from suspension soon, but if I need to play again then so be it.

“Needs must and I would have no hesitation in getting out there.

“I gave my team talk before the match and at half-time, but Phil Simkin directed things from the sideline. I didn’t find it too difficult being out there and concentrating on playing.”

One reason that could keep Vickers away from the dugout is an impending ban for Kyle Critchell, who was dismissed for a two-footed tackle.

Controversy ensued as referee Chris O’Donnell only took action after conferring with his assistant, despite initially appearing to be happy with the manner of the challenge.

Asked his view on the flashpoint, Vickers replied: “The referee awarded a throw-in and it was only when the Farnborough players reacted that he did something.

“That really aggrieved us. For me, Kyle won the ball in a heavy tackle and other referees would have seen it that way as well.

“It was really unfortunate for us because we had been in the ascendancy, but that decision put us on the back foot and being down to 10 men made it much more difficult.

“But I’m proud of the players because they gave everything. We created so many chances in the first half and on another day could easily have won the match.”

* The Magpies’ Dorset Senior Cup semi-final clash with Poole Town, which was due to be played on Wednesday, has been re-scheduled for Thursday, March 17 at Hamworthy United’s County Ground.