DORCHESTER Town goalkeeper Kingsley Latham has shrugged off the impact of a spell out with internal bleeding, insisting injuries and illnesses are hazards of the game.

Latham, 20, joined the Magpies on a six-month loan spell from Southampton during the summer and has delivered a succession of impressive displays.

His command of the Dorchester penalty area has previously been hailed by boss Steve Thompson, and the rangy gloveman also saved a spot-kick in a 2-1 win over Hartley Wintney.

However, the former Yeovil youngster was dealt a blow by his sudden ailment.

After training for Dorchester the Thursday before their FA Cup second qualifying round clash at Tiverton Town, Latham fell ill on his return to Southampton before being admitted to hospital.

His diagnosis with internal bleeding forced Dorchester into signing Alhaji Sesay from Bristol City, who was then sent off at Tivvy on debut before seeing red again in a 4-1 loss at Harrow for allegedly kicking an opponent.

Speaking to Echosport regarding his time out, Latham appeared unmoved by the scale of his issue.

He said: “It was a bit of a surprise, but I went through the necessary processes to build my fitness back up and when I got back I was just raring to go and get some games back under my belt.

“It’s frustrating, but that’s football, you pick up injuries and illnesses. It’s just part of the game, you’ve got to deal with it. When you can play you’ve got to make the most of it and play as well as you can.

“I was pleased with how I was going. Defensively we were solid and things were going well. Since I’ve come back we’ve had a few games and just picked up where we left off, really.

“We’ve had a couple of wins and draws – it’s been really positive, I’m really enjoying it.”

On his penalty save against Hartley, Latham admitted his stop had been a confidence booster.

He said: “It was a really good moment saving that penalty, it’s good for the confidence and the fact that we went on to win the game was really positive.

“That’s in the past now, so we’ve just got to look forward, win some more games, try and get through the rounds in the (FA Trophy) and get higher up in the league if we can.”

Since his return after a month out against Yate Town, Latham has kept two clean sheets in four games.

He said: “It’s always nice as a keeper to get clean sheets but that comes as part of a defensive unit.

“We all work together, the defenders and the midfielders. We all work hard to get that clean sheet, so when they come it’s really nice.”

Dorchester were drawn at home to National League South strugglers Hungerford Town in the FA Trophy third qualifying round following the Magpies’ 3-1 win over AFC Totton.

Latham feels Dorchester have the potential to go deep into the competition.

He said: “It was a really good win, a good performance from the lads and for Ben (Seymour) to get a couple of goals.

“With the group we’ve got if we get a little cup run going, who knows?

“It’s a great competition to play teams that are a higher level and really test ourselves so I think we’ve got a chance of going far.”