Duo on show at Avenue (From Dorset Echo)

Duo on show at Avenue

8:47am Tuesday 21st February 2012 in Club news By Ky Capel

DORCHESTER Town supporters are expected to gain their first glimpse of Max Worsfold and Sam Malsom in tonight’s friendly with a Portsmouth XI (7.30pm).

Both men arrived at the Avenue Stadium three weeks ago, the latter leaving rivals Weymouth and the former joining on loan from Alder-shot, but they have yet to play in front of the county town faithful.

However, the duo will finally get that chance this evening.

Assistant-boss Phil Simkin said: “We have been lucky and grateful to play Bridport and Portland in behind-closed-doors friendlies and we’re very grateful to have some opposition tonight to help prepare for Havant on Saturday.

“When Saturday comes we will have played three, what I would call competitive, games.

“They may not have been against teams at our level but a game is a game and we have had plenty of touches of the ball and minutes on the pitch, so I’m rather hoping we can slide back into Saturday without too much of a problem.”

Exeter City loanee Tom Nichols is unavailable for the visit of Pompey while Neil Martin (Achilles) and Jamie Symes (eye) are rated as doubtful.

Simkin added: “Tom was playing for Exeter City Reserves last night so he won’t be available but Max is travelling down so he will make his first appearance.

“Neil picked up a dodgy cut on his Achilles against Portland last Tuesday so he is doubtful, as is Jamie after he picked up a nasty cut on his eye playing for the reserves last Wednes-day.”

Simkin is also calling on fans to turn out in force tonight and help boost the club’s coffers, following a month without a home fixture.

He said: “The last month has not been easy and it wouldn’t be for any club.

“The club has dealt with it admirably but we are hoping we get a few through the gates tonight, especially as it’s been a month since our last home game.”

Tickets for tonight’s game cost £5 for adults, £3 for concessions and £1 for those aged 16 and under.