Magpies' away-day bid gets triple boost (From Dorset Echo)

Magpies' away-day bid gets triple boost

8:10am Monday 31st August 2009 in Club news By Adam Summers

DORCHESTER Town could welcome back a trio of stars this afternoon when they will attempt to end their winless run on the road at Basingstoke Town in Blue Square South (3pm).

Gary Bowles, Nick Crittenden and skipper Kevin Hill all missed Saturday’s 2-2 home draw with Bath City and are keen to make immediate returns to the side as the Magpies look to capture their first away success since December 12, 2008 when they beat Havant & Waterlooville 2-1.

Dorchester boss Roy O’Brien said: “Kevin and Nick could be involved today as could Gary Bowles, which would give us a full strength squad to choose from that will also include Tom Mitchell whose three-match suspension does not start until tomorrow.

“All three players are keen as mustered to get back into the action and if we can go to Basingstoke and come away with a win then it will turn out to be a very good Bank Holiday weekend for us.

“However, the lads will have to show the same determination and guile as they did on Saturday if we are to achieve that.”

Had it not been for sloppy errors at the back the Magpies would have claimed all three points against the Romans in what was an encouraging display.

O’Brien said: “On the whole it was a good performance and had it not been for their keeper making a couple of great saves we would have won it.”

Former Arsenal midfielder Ian Selley and defender Harry Monta-cute both made impressive debuts for the Magpies.

O’Brien said: “Harry looked solid throughout and also put some fantastic long throws into the box “As for Ian, everyone knows what he can give us. His distribution was excellent and I am absolutely chuffed to have him on board.”

Selley has signed non-contract terms along with defender Ollie Barnes who has made the switch across the Ridgeway following his release from neighbours Wey-mouth.

O’Brien added: “Ollie joined in the warm-up but he is unlikely to be available to play until next weekend as the league have not confirmed his registration yet.”

New owner Tony Newman was also in attendance at the Jewson Stadium on Saturday and O’Brien is hoping the estate agent’s arrival will yield more funds for him to strengthen his squad.

He said: “I have not had the chance to speak to him about things yet but fingers crossed we will now be able to tie some of the players up and give them a more stable future.

“I am also constantly talking to players, some of which have played in the league, and it would be great to be able to strengthen the squad further as we are beginning to put together a very good side.”

Magpies (from): Northmore, Coward, Jermyn, Smeeton, Bowles, Hill, Vickers, O’Brien, Martin, Mitchell, Selley, Nodwell, Montacute, Gleeson, Crittenden,