DORCHESTER Town winger Tom Blair has completed a transfer to Eastleigh for an undisclosed fee.

Blair's "long-term" deal ends a five-year association with the Magpies and represents a jump in standard of two divisions.

He made 153 appearances and netted 30 goals after rising through the club's youth system.

This season Blair scored one goal in six matches - the opener in a 2-1 loss at Christchurch.

Blair had in pre-season trialled at Eastleigh's Vanarama National League rivals Yeovil but the Glovers did not offer the 21-year-old a contract.

In a club statement, Dorchester manager Leigh Robinson said: "We’re all delighted that Blairo has got this opportunity and it’s fully deserved.

"Players with power and pace like he has are fairly rare and clubs throughout the football pyramid all want players who can go past people like Blairo can.

"It’s a great move for Blairo, a good deal for the club and also should give all young players who are ambitious a reminder that professional clubs are looking at this level if they can perform to a good level."

Magpies' chairman Scott Symes said: "As I have previously mentioned it is critical for our community club to provide the pathway to full-time football for local players.

"Having a strong and successful development pathway will ensure that we can nurture local talent to first-team level which is the main objective for our development programme for local players at DTFC.

"Secondly we as a club are happy to be the platform that allows that next step for local players to continue their football journeys to play the game at the highest level whilst ensuring the club and the local players benefit.

"Everyone at the club would like to extend our very best wishes to Tom for the future and thank him for all his efforts during his time at the club."

Blair, who is cup-tied for the FA Cup, could make his league debut for the Spitfires at Bromley on Saturday (3pm).

He will compete for a starting place at Silverlake Stadium with the likes of former Weymouth winger Abdulai Baggie.