DORCHESTER Town winger Tom Blair insists the Magpies “thrive” off the current competition for places.

Blair is one of four Dorchester wingers on the playing staff, with manager Steve Thompson also having Cameron Murray, Aaron Rodriguez and Ben Morris at his disposal.

With Thompson keen to deploy a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 formation, wingers are a central aspect to the Magpies’ attacking play.

However, with Cameron Murray and Aaron Rodriguez bagging five goals between them to Blair’s none this season, the young midfielder is unperturbed.

He told Echosport: “All the lads are a good bunch, we thrive off the competition.

“Aaron’s come in, he did very well on Saturday (against Beaconsfield) and has been playing really well. He came on against Wimborne and scored and got his chance to start on Saturday.

“I’m not one to be disappointed that he did well, it makes me want to do better. Cam got player of the month for August, he’s a really good player.

“It’s good to have some competition, a couple of seasons ago there wasn’t much. It does make you a better player.

“We’ve got competition in most places, which is really important if you want to do well as a side.”

With Thompson still chasing the signing of an elusive striker to become the spearhead of the Magpies’ attack, Blair was tasked with the forward’s role against Wimborne.

And the winger, who fulfilled the same job in the absence of Phil Ormrod early last season, admits he is happy to play wherever the Dorchester management request him to.

He said: “(Tommo) pulled me into the office before the game and said ‘I’m going to start you up front’.

“For him to have faith in me to lead the line in a massive game, it’s nice. I listened to him and Trevor (Senior, assistant-manager) and did what I could.

“I did alright, won a few headers and brought people into the game. I’d prefer to be on the wing but wherever they want me to play, I’ll play.”

Blair, who was sent off at Wimborne in the FA Cup, also gave away a free-kick that led to Kings Langley’s second goal in a 2-2 draw.

He said: “I’ve done alright, a bit disappointed to get sent off but that’s gone now.

“In the Kings Langley game I gave away the free-kick but that happens, there’s no point dwelling on it, it’s just frustrating – I don’t really think about that any more.”