KIEFFER Moore makes a timely return to the Magpies’ line-up tonight as the shot-shy hosts look for their first goal in more than five hours of football.

The 16-goal striker has endured a frustrating start to his Dorchester career since signing early last month due to a nagging thigh injury picked up against former club Truro.

But after intensive treatment the striker is back to near full fitness and returns to a Magpies’ side that has struggled to find the target of late.

Moore’s injury forced him off halfway through his home debut against Boreham Wood nearly three weeks ago but because of postponements he has only missed one game, the 2-0 defeat to Weston-super-Mare seven days ago.

While Moore is back for the visit of Farnborough to the Avenue tonight (7.45pm), there is a doubt over the fitness of keeper Jason Matthews, who has also sustained a thigh problem.

And with Charlie Clough, Arran Pugh and Nathan Walker all suspended, Steve Walker is finally set to make his first-team bow as the Magpies get ready to take on the side one place above them in eighth in the Blue Square Bet South table.

“Kieffer trained on Saturday afternoon and came through everything fine,” said Simkin. “We need to get him up and running tonight and he will certainly start the game.

“He is a massive player for us and he probably came back against Boreham Wood when he shouldn’t have done, so we’ve got to thank the people here and at Exeter who have worked on him to get him fit.

“I’ve got the luxury now of having three front players available when for most of the season we’ve only had one.”

Simkin won’t decide until before kick-off whether Ben Watson or on-loan Tom Nichols will partner Moore up front.

The Magpies have picked up two points from a possible 12 but face a team that was thumped 6-0 by Chelmsford in their last outing.

“I wouldn’t take too much notice of that,” added Simkin. “Farnborough are a very good attacking side and we will have to be on our toes to deal with them.

“They’ll be a tough nut to crack that’s for sure.”

The club is still waiting to hear when last Saturday’s postponed encounter with Hayes & Yeading will be played.

Magpies: (from) Matthews, Floyd, Bell, Smeeton, Martin, Jermyn, Brooks, S Walker, Nicholls, Gleeson, Crittenden, Morgan, Malsom, Moore, Watson, Nichols.