DORCHESTER Town boss Steve Thompson has issued the Magpies a target of 55 points ahead of their Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division trip to Tiverton Town tonight (7.45pm).

Thompson’s men, who currently sit on 48 points with four games remaining, lie in 19th place heading into the clash, 11 places behind Tivvy, who cannot make the play-offs.

And, with Dorchester also guaranteed a place in the same division next season, Thompson insists he will not let the remainder of the season drift by.

He told Echosport: “It would be easy to let the season peter out, but I’m not going to let that happen. We’ve got four games left and it would be nice if we can get to 55 points.

“When I came we weren’t just getting beaten, we were getting whipped. It’s a lot of work and it’s tough because the players are doing all sorts of jobs. The lads have battled all the way and are doing a good job, so I’m pleased.”

Dorchester finally banished their away-day demons by securing their second victory on the road with a 2-1 triumph on Saturday against St Ives, breaking a spell of seven months without an away win.

Now Thompson is hoping his youthful squad can learn quickly in order to collect a third such success this campaign at Tiverton.

He said: “It’s a young group and I think winning away from home is sometimes harder for younger players.

“It’s slightly harder until you learn that habit of how to do it with hard work and staying in the game. You have to learn that skill and hopefully they can learn from all the defeats and draws.”

He added: “We deserved to win a lot of other games but we haven’t managed to get the win. We’ve got three more away games so hopefully we can get another one.

“It will be tough – Tiverton are up there and are a big, strong team and I’m sure it will be a very tough game for us down there.

“At least we’ve got that second win under our belts and hopefully we can get a third.”

Ross Carmichael (asthma), Luke Winsper and Callum Rose (both ankle) are all doubtful.