DORCHESTER Town boss Steve Thompson revealed he will aim to extend the now expired loan of attacking midfielder Lewis Leigh-Gilchrist from Bristol Rovers.

Leigh-Gilchrist, 19, earned his first start in the 2-1 loss to Merthyr Town on Saturday and was an impressive performer, creating a number of opportunities for a Magpies’ side that otherwise struggled to fashion clear-cut chances.

The Pirates’ man has so far twice appeared from the bench in addition to Saturday’s start, and the teenager, who scored 12 goals for Yate Town when on loan earlier this season, could prolong his stay at the Avenue Stadium.

Thompson told Echosport: “I’m going to have a word with Chris Hargreaves (Rovers’ under-21 coach). I’m sure we’ll get him for another month. We get it virtually for nothing, so it’s not something that’s a financial burden.

“I would certainly want to do it. It’s his first start and the lad’s done well enough to show that he deserves another month.”

Elaborating on Lewis-Gilchrist’s display during the defeat to the Martyrs, Thompson believed he improved as the game went on.

He said: “I felt he grew into the (Merthyr) game. We haven’t been tearing up trees lately in the last couple of games. I felt he deserved a chance because other people have had chances in those games and he’s come on. I was pleased on the whole with his performance.”