MAGPIES’ chief Mark Jermyn has sung the praises of Ben Watson, underlining just how important the striker is to the county town club.

Watson showed his versatility in the friendly with Truro last Saturday by playing in a more withdrawn role behind fellow forwards Tony Lee and Jonah Ayunga.

Jermyn was pleased with how Watson performed during the 1-0 defeat and didn’t rule out the possibility of him taking on the role again when the league season starts this weekend.

“We’re happy with Ben playing in the hole,” said the Dorchester player-manager on Watson’s new position.

“We like a three in midfield, and generally we like a deeper midfield.

“Charlie (Davis) has got great energy, Lewis (Morgan) is as fit as ever, and we just felt that rather having it congested in there we would free up the pitch a bit.

“Ben is very good at playing off the defenders and he did a really good job, we were really pleased with his performance.

“We just need to get him a couple of yards higher up the pitch because we want him in the box.”

Jermyn lauded his player further by saying: “He is somebody that is very calm on the ball, holds it up well, brings people into play, and is sharp in the box.

“And, if I’m honest, Ben probably looks better this pre-season than I’ve ever seen him before at the club.

“He does look good, he looks really good. He looks fit, hungry, and I think he’s enjoying it.

“With the younger players around him he knows the team really need him, and I think he’s stepping up to the plate.

“That has shown during pre-season and in the games he hasn’t played we’ve missed him.”