DORCHESTER’S season is turning into the definition of taking the rough with the smooth.

Every bad aspect of their season so far can be easily counter-balanced with an equally positive aspect.

Yes, they had a struggle to score goals for the early part, but then proceeded to bring in Ben Seymour, who has nine goals in nine games.

Seymour has hit the ground running and, truth be told, with a record like that a lot of clubs should be envious.

Yes, the Magpies have once again found turmoil in finding a steady league rhythm until of late, but their form recently has been magnificent, with just three losses in their last 12 games in all competitions.

They have had embarrassing defeats, such as the 5-0 loss to Chesham United, but they thrashed Staines Town 6-1.

While being defeated on penalties, their performance against Weymouth in the Dorset Senior Cup proved they can mix it with the biggest teams in their league and that loss felt harsh on the Magpies.

Other acquisitions such as Kingsley Latham, Josh Bailey, and Harry Kite have all seen superb loan spells so far, even if the one-month loan of Alhaji Sesay proved problematic.

Still, this is all ignoring the biggest beacon of light for the Magpies this season: the FA Trophy.

Consecutive wins against National League South opposition in the trophy, against Hungerford Town and Eastbourne Borough, have seen them reach the second round.

The 4-0 win over the latter was particularly impressive, and should act as a stark warning to other clubs that Dorchester on their day are a proven force to be reckoned with.

Their reward, against National League outfit Barnet, is fitting and well-earned, and should another performance such as the one against Eastbourne materialise then it is far from a foregone conclusion.

It would be naive as well to omit any reference to the 3G pitch as well, which has seen Yeovil Town Ladies play their matches at the stadium, to a roaring success so far.

Dorchester do need a bit more plain sailing weather in the league however, and losses to Weymouth and Swindon Supermarine will not have eased those worries despite beating Tiverton.

The Magpies are looking over their shoulder, but should they pull clear then they should enjoy a season which, with the cup heroics, could start to sow seeds of a cautious cause for optimism.