Magpies capture striker (From Dorset Echo)

Magpies capture striker

9:10am Friday 20th March 2009 in Club news By Ky Capel

DORCHESTER have bolstered their attacking options ahead of tomorrow’s visit of Maidenhead United (3pm) with the capture of Phil Walsh from Tiverton Town.

The former Bath City striker put pen-to-paper last night, on a deal expected to last until the end of next season, and could make his debut against United.

Walsh was Tivvy’s top scorer this season with 14 goals in all competitions, however, he started the campaign with Blue Square South rivals Newport County and made two appearances in games against the Magpies.

Walsh’s arrival will see him reunited with former County team-mate, and now Dorchester assistant boss, Ashley Vickers.

Vickers is delighted to have Walsh on board at the Jewson Stadium. He said: “I know Phil from my time at Newport and he is a presence. He’s an out and out striker so he’ll give us something else and it’s exciting to think he’ll be with us.

“I couldn’t understand why Newport got rid of Walshy because as a centre-back I didn’t like playing against him.”

The Dorset Magpies welcome the Berkshire Magpies to the county Vickers looks for follow-up town tomorrow looking to build on Tuesday night’s 1-0 victory over Havant & Waterlooville.

Vickers added: “We’re just looking forward to the game after Tuesday night when the work-rate was spot on. Everyone gave everything they had and that’s the starting point.

“We didn’t overplay at the back, we played in the right areas, competed well, and the addition of Jacob Erskine and Kevin Hill up front meant we had a presence and an outlet.

“It was a huge game and we knew that, we didn’t want anyone coming off the pitch with any regrets.

“Maidenhead are a big and physical side who will be competitive, so we have got to match that. The lads were ecstatic after Tuesday but it was just one game and we’ve got another eight to go. Tuesday needs to be a benchmark and the minimum requirement from now on.”

Dorchester will welcome Gary Bowles back from a two-match ban while Steve Hutchings, who was unavailable in midweek due to commitments for parent club AFC Bournemouth, could return to the squad.

Sixth-placed Maidenhead, who enjoyed a 2-1 win over Dorchester back in October, are also set for a major boost in the forward department with Richard Pacq-uette expected to return from an unsuccessful loan spell at Histon.