DORCHESTER Town have announced that River Smith has become the Magpies’ seventh summer signing after the striker agreed terms with the county town side for next season.

The talented striker, who scored 24 goals in 30 appearances for Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division outfit Bournemouth Poppies in the 2018/19 term, also featured for boss Callum Brooks while at Hamworthy United during the same campaign.

On becoming Dorchester’s fourth new arrival of the summer, Smith said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to take the step up in leagues. Now I’m just looking forward to starting pre-season, to meet all the lads and show what I can bring to the team.”

Brooks said: “River’s goalscoring record over the past couple of years means that he deserves a chance to showcase what he can do at a higher level. 

“He’s a player who I’ve worked with previously and one who I’m excited to see make the step up. I feel that with the right coaching and the right structure, he is the right player for this club at this time and it’s another young talent to nurture.

“I’ve never met a more honest character in football – he’s got a tremendous work rate, which will be enough for him to start to feel his way into this level.

“What River gives you as a baseline is he works incredibly hard in every game I’ve ever seen him play. When you know you’ve got that, I didn’t feel it was a gamble. 

“While it needs to be recognised that he’s making a step up, the lad knows where the net is. He’s a tremendous young man and he gives you everything all the time.”