MASON Walsh is eager to make the most of his time at Dorchester Town following a wretched start to the season.

The 19-year-old Bournemouth loanee will stay with the Magpies for a second full month after impressing over the last few weeks.

It is in stark contrast to the way he began his spell in the black and white – or yellow as it was – of the county town club back in August.

Having joined from the Cherries ahead of the opening day trip to Arlesey, Walsh was forced off with ankle ligament damage just 12 minutes into the new campaign.

But having missed the next two-and-a-half months of the season, the Southampton-born midfielder returned on loan at the Avenue last month and hasn’t looked back since.

He scored his first Dorchester goal at St Neots last weekend, netted two more in the World War One centenary match on Wednesday, and will be looking to add to his tally today when Paulton Rovers are the visitors to Dorset (3pm).

And while he wants to do his best for Dorchester, the teenager is also keen to show Cherries’ boss Eddie Howe that he is worth a new deal at the Goldsands Stadium – a ground which could be hosting Premier League football this time next year.

“I’ve loved it at Dorchester, it’s been a great experience,” he said. “The manager and the lads have been fantastic.

“I had a bit of a slow start after the injury and was trying to get games at Bournemouth, but I came on loan to Dorchester and I’m really enjoying it, and I’m 100 per cent fit as well.

“I’m looking forward to another month because Dorchester is a great club and I want to prove myself.

“I also want to help the team and the manager as he has been really supportive and put a lot of trust in me.”

He continued: “It’s a great learning curve for me.

“As well as getting game time, I’m learning about how to play under pressure.

“We’ve had a few results not go our way so there is a bit of pressure on the team.

“Playing under pressure can be tough but it’s a good way for me to learn.”

Walsh’s Bournemouth contract finishes just before the end of the season, and on that he added: “If I’ve been playing well on loan then it’s down to Bournemouth if they want to take me on for another year.

“I’d love to be at a club in the Premier League but because the standard goes up it would be really hard to get anywhere near the first team – it’s hard enough now.

“The gaffer wants to bring the youth through but he has got to do it at the right time.”

* The Magpies have put in a seven-day approach for Bournemouth Poppies’ defender/midfielder Connor Doe.