SAM Lanahan is determined to make the most of his first full season at Dorchester Town, and improving his scoring record is something the university student would like to aim for.

The 22-year-old was thrown in at the deep end when he made his Conference South bow for the Magpies away to high-flying Sutton United last November.

But after coming through that test and proving his worth during the rest of a season that ended in relegation, Lanahan was rewarded by the club with a 12-month contract he signed last week.

Now Lanahan is focused on becoming a first-team regular at the Avenue and rediscovering the form in front of goal that he showed before arriving in the county town.

However, that could depend on where he plays next season after looking just as comfortable at right-back as he is in midfield.

“It’s going really well and I’m enjoying my time at the club,” said Lanahan, who has known boss Phil Simkin since he was 16.

“I scored 10 goals for Hamworthy before I spoke to Phil last season and I came across hoping to get some more but it didn’t quite happen.

“I’d like to score more next season but it will all depend on where Phil wants me to play.

“I like to get forward but if Phil wants me to play at right-back then I’m happy to do that.

“My first aim next season is to play week in and week out, and my second aim is to add more goals to my game.”

Lanahan’s debut against Sutton ended in a shock 1-0 win for the Magpies, though sadly the campaign didn’t get too much better after that.

Dorchester’s poor form made it a tough start to life at the club for Lanahan, who had been used to playing at Wessex League level with Hamworthy United up until then.

“Last season was a tough one for the club and everybody involved,” he added.

“For me, it was nice to jump up a level from Hamworthy United, but at the same time it was a struggle because games were going against us.

“I had some ups and downs. Some games I did well in and others I wasn’t too happy with, but it can be difficult to get consistency when you’re changing position.”

Lanahan has been indebted to the likes of Jamie Gleeson and Nick Crittenden for their help in his development.

He has enjoyed the challenges at the Avenue so far and he is busy off the pitch too – the final year of a sport development and coaching sciences degree awaits him in the autumn.