MIDFIELDER Sam Lanahan has highlighted just how important scoring first in games is to the mindset of the Dorchester Town players.

The Magpies have broken the deadlock in each of their last two outings before going on to secure four points from a possible six.

Lanahan, 22, scored the opener in his side’s draw with Cambridge City a week last Saturday, notching his third goal of the season in the process.

That was followed by a stunning Andy Robinson effort against Corby which set the Magpies on their way to a 2-1 win.

It is in stark contrast to previous outings this season when the county town side continually conceded first and then struggled to recover.

And Lanahan has echoed his manager’s view that things around the Avenue in
general are starting to look brighter.

“It was nice for the team to get back to winning ways on Saturday,” he said.

“It was unfortunate that we couldn’t beat Cambridge the week before or we would have had six points from the last two games. Four points is still a good return and I’d like to think we are going to climb the table a bit more.

“I feel things are more positive too. I think the group seems a lot happier whenever we meet up.

“Getting goals has helped. We’ve scored two in both the last two games which takes the pressure off the defence.

“We’ve got the first goal in those matches and going in front has a psychological effect on the way you play.

“When you go behind you start thinking that you’re going to lose again, particularly if it’s early in a game.

“Scoring early gives you belief, and we scored about 20 minutes into both matches.”

Lanahan is pleased to be getting a regular run in the Magpies’ midfield, and scoring goals is something he had his sights on going into the current campaign.

He added: “It has been going alright so far this season.

“I’m enjoying my football and I’ve scored a couple of goals as well, and that’s what I said I wanted to do before the season started.”