DORCHESTER Town boss Steve Thompson has concerns over injured Cameron Murray and Harry Kite ahead of the Magpies’ trip to Tiverton Town in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier South today (3pm).

Already without centre-back Ross Carmichael (hamstring), Thompson is awaiting the results of secondary x-rays on respective toe and ankle issues for Murray and Kite – the latter currently wearing a protective boot in precaution.

Initial x-rays showed no fractures for the pair, who both played when Tiverton beat the Magpies 2-0 in the FA Cup second qualifying round at Ladysmead in September.

The fixture serves as the reverse of last season’s New Year’s Day clash between the sides, with Tom Blair netting a double in a 3-0 win for Dorchester.

With three away league wins in four games, Thompson is less concerned by the Magpies’ form than his squad’s fitness.

After drawing 1-1 with Wimborne on Saturday, he told Echosport: “Murray and Kite have both had x-rays which haven’t revealed fractures, however, they do need more x-rays because sometimes it doesn’t come up for a few days.

“I’d be delighted if they’re fit but I don’t see it happening. You never know with Cameron’s toe. Harry’s in a boot, but that’s precautionary. I’m trying to look on the bright side and hope it’s not too bad.

“Ross is definitely out. Hamstrings can be anything from 10 days to three-and a-half weeks, with the grade he’s got. I don’t think he’ll be fit for Tiverton or Taunton.”

He added: “Being away doesn’t frighten me, our injury situation frightens me!

“It’s a bit concerning at the moment. There’s no making bones about it Cameron, Harry and Ross have been an instrumental part of our good run of wins.

“They’ve played basically all season - I think Ross has only not started three or four games. Harry’s started every game he’s been available and Cam’s only not started one game he’s been available for.

“They’ve been a focal point, so you want to get your key players back in.

“I thought Luke (Winsper) came in and did well (against Wimborne), Aaron (Rodriguez) looked sharp and could’ve had a hat-trick if he’d had his finishing boots and head on.”

Thompson is expecting Tiverton to line up identically to Dorchester’s 3-5-2 formation.

He said: “They’re usually a physical side, I don’t expect anything different. They normally play 3-5-2 but we’ll have to see who’s fit and available.

“Some players have got much-needed minutes. Luke got nearly 90, Aaron got 65, Brennan (Camp), who’s been on loan at Poole but not playing, he’s got 90. Ash (Pope) has got a bit as well.”

Dorchester have no other injury concerns ahead of facing Tivvy, who lie six places and five points above the Magpies in 13th.