DORCHESTER Reserves’ manager Rich Robson admits his side’s pre-season has been a “mixed bag” as the Magpies prepare for their final warm-up game before their Wyvern Midweek League campaign begins.

Robson’s men take on Dorset Premier League team Swanage Town & Herston away tomorrow night ahead of their first competitive fixture against AFC Portchester on Wednesday week.

He told Echosport: “It’s been quite a mixed bag, we’ve had a mix-up with players leaving. The first three or four games we were literally just looking at players. We had 30 to get through so we’ve whittled it down now.

“We’re bringing in one or two experienced players to fit in with the younger ones but we don’t know how we’re going to get on.

“They are young, technically good players so we’ll see how they get up for it this year.”

Despite a hectic prelude to the season, Robson is buoyed by the speed with which his new squad has come together.

He said: “They’ve gelled together quicker than I thought they would so I’m quite positive. We have got a completely new squad. Until we play our first two games I don’t know how this group of players will get on.

“Hopefully they’re excited to get into the league action. The ones who are making the step up are a little bit nervous.”