Vickers impressed by Magpies' return (From Dorset Echo)

Vickers impressed by Magpies' return

8:37am Wednesday 1st July 2009 in

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DORCHESTER Town assistant boss Ashley Vickers was pleased with last night’s start to pre-season training.

The Magpies took to Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre yesterday evening to begin their preparations for the upcoming Blue Square South campaign.

Vickers said: “It was a good first session. We had just over 20 players in total with a couple still away at the moment. The lads looked ever so fit and that makes life easier for Roy O’Brien and myself.

“A lot of the lads were given a target weight to meet prior to pre-season and they managed to reach their weights which is great. The lads have had a taste of pre-season so now we’ll get stuck into things and take it from there.”

When asked about any trialists attending last night’s session, Vickers replied: “We had Ben Wood from Bideford, who’s very quick and plays on the left side, and we had an experienced goalkeeper called Mark Ovendale who’s played for the likes of AFC Bournemouth, Luton Town and Newport County.

“Both of them impressed, as did some of the Dorchester Town Under-18s that were there.”

Last season’s number one Gareth Stewart and attacking midfielder Mitchell Nicholson were both absent with the pair yet to pen new deals at the Jewson Stadium.

Vickers said: “Hopefully Mitch will be back for Thursday’s session. Gareth though is still keeping his options open. Both of them are quality players and the door is always open.”

Dorchester’s first friendly is at home to Eastbourne Borough on Saturday, July 18.