DORCHESTER Town manager Steve Thompson is looking to learn when the Magpies travel to Hitchin Town tomorrow in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division (3pm).
He concedes that they are now looking to next season with the Magpies realistically unable to get relegated or get into the play-offs, but says they are looking forward to the match.
Thompson told Echosport: “Every match we look forward to and hope that we can learn a little bit more, obviously all our thoughts are on next season now.
“We cannot get in the play-offs, we cannot get relegated, so it is another football match, it is an opportunity to look at players.”
Tom Blair got minutes in the Dorchester Reserves’ 3-1 win over Bashley Reserves on Wednesday night as he looks to get back to first-team action after 10 days out with illness.
The Magpies are on a winless away run of form that stretches back 16 games to a 1-0 win at Dunstable Town in September and, factoring in home matches, Dorchester are without a win in their last four games.
Thompson said: “It is a chance to put right some of the away form which has been poor really, in terms of results anyway.
“We are not in a great run of form at the moment, we got beat at Stratford and we drew with Dunstable at home and lost the game at home against Merthyr so we want to get back on winning ways.
“We were on a good run before that and the last seven home games we have done well, won five, drawn one and lost one but when the last one is a defeat it wrangles with you a bit and we certainly need to improve on our away form.”
Thompson’s main focus for the match will be to learn about his players and give game time to those who need it.
Thompson said: “We are obviously looking to get three points from the match but the main focus of the match is I hope to learn more about the players. It may be the time to try a few that have not had a lot of game time.
“However, I have to balance that with what I think is a team capable of winning because you still like to keep that winning feeling. It is good for everyone at the club.”
Archie Collins will miss the match at Hitchin Town due to his expected participation in a development match for parent club Exeter City.
Lewis Leigh-Gilchrist stands a chance of making the squad as Thompson aims to extend his loan deal after it expired following Saturday’s match against Merthyr Town.
CONTACT ME:
t: 01305 830990
e: aidan.williams
@dorsetecho.co.uk
twitter: @EchosportAidan
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here