WHAT a difference a year makes.

This time last year Stuart Heath, then in charge of Portland United, was preparing for the visit of Poole Borough.

Fast forward 12 months and the Wey Valley PE teacher, now assistant-manager at Dorchester Town, is ready to do battle with Plymouth Argyle.

It has been a sharp rise for the former Weymouth Sports boss, but one he is delighted to have made.

Heath told Echosport: “It’s been a bit of whirlwind year, although I would have liked to have done a bit better last season and lifted some silverware with Portland.

“I wasn’t sure where I was going to go in terms of the next step in my coaching career but an opportunity at Dorchester came along and I’m delighted I took it.

“It’s a well-run, friendly club with good ambitions for the future and I feel as though I made the right decision in the summer.

“We had a good start to the season and while league results haven’t gone the way we want in the last few weeks, we are still in a good position after the first quarter of the season.

“For me personally it’s been a good few months. It’s not easy going to a new club and the players were sizing me up for the first few training sessions. But they did all I asked of them and they have really worked hard.

“I knew they were all good players but I’ve been really pleased with their professionalism and approach to their game, as well as how much they want to improve.

“I’m working as hard as I can to get the best out of myself and the players and it’s going pretty well – but it’s a long season.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s date with the Pilgrims, which will be shown live on ESPN, Heath added: “Opportunities like this do not come along very often and for some people they don’t come along at all.

“We’ve got to make sure we do everything we can to give the best account of ourselves and play to our potential. At the same time, you have to enjoy it.

“We are optimistic but realistic at the same time. We have got to hope they have an off-day and we have a good day. If that happens you always have a chance.

“This cup run has been a good distraction and it has been financially rewarding. It’s good for the supporters as well, as the club hasn’t had a good cup run for a few years, and there is a definite buzz around the town.

“It’s up to us to show what we can do on the big stage. We haven’t played to our potential in recent weeks but I’m hoping the lads are saving that for Sunday.

“We have to get our shape right and we have to be spot on tactically. We have to know our strengths, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition.

“That is what we will be working on in order to give ourselves the best chance of putting in a performance.

“If we do that we will provide them with a challenge, and we will see how they cope with it.”

Boss Phil Simkin is also delighted Heath made the decision to join the Magpies, saying: “He was the best signing I made in the summer. He’s been a revelation.

“We have a great partnership, the lads love him, he is a really good coach and a great support to me.”