DORCHESTER Town wing-back Sam Jackson believes the biggest challenges he has faced since making his move from Bashley are “sharpness and fitness”.

Jackson, who signed with the Magpies on dual registration terms from Bashley in November, has been a revelation since making the step up two divisions.

Having been on the books at Weymouth, Jackson failed to make an impact at the Bob Lucas Stadium but after honing his craft at Bashley the youngster has delivered a series of impressive performances for Dorchester over his 17 starts.

Speaking to Echosport, Jackson admitted he is revelling in the experience of playing in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier South.

He said: “I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s a great group of lads, everyone’s been really welcoming and I feel like, with regards to the current form we’ve shown, that we’re on the same wavelength.

“We’ve got a good mix of youth and experience. At first I was put into the FA Trophy game (against Hungerford) and I didn’t really expect to start.

“Obviously they’re in the league above, so it’s three steps ahead. I just had to adapt really quickly.

“Personally I think I’ve done alright. I’ve had good words from the staff and the players seem to be pretty happy with how I’m doing.

“It’s massively fitness more than anything, sharpness and fitness, but I think it’s going well.”

Bashley, who ply their trade in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division, are currently lying sixth and Jackson revealed he had received plenty of support from the Bash.

He said: “They’ve actually been doing really well themselves. So every time they win, they say in the group chat ‘we don’t need you anyway!’

“They just want me to play the best level I can, because that reflects well on the club.

“I’ve been with the coach Leon (Scott) since college, since I was about 16, so for him it’s a big thing that I’m playing at a better level.”

Modestly, Jackson never expected to enjoy a prolonged run in the starting XI, despite manager Steve Thompson preferring the 5-3-2 formation suited to his abilities as a wing-back.

“I can’t say I did, really. They mentioned they were looking to play a new system as a five, but even then I didn’t expect to because I didn’t know if there were any other left wing-backs.

“Getting here, I was thrown straight in.

“I’ll just take it game for game.

“I haven’t expected to start, ever, because you can’t.”

Dorchester's trip to seventh-placed Merthyr Town has been postponed, with no date yet set for rearrangement.