DORCHESTER Town have raided Winchester City for prolific striker Olly Balmer.

Balmer re-joins the Magpies as their fourth new recruit this summer, following a spell with Dorchester’s reserve side in 2016/17.

He is the third Winchester player to join Dorchester in the off-season after Ollie Griggs and Kieran Douglas.

All three players could turn out against their old club following their promotion to the Southern League Premier South for 2022/23.

READ MORE: Ollie Griggs joins Dorchester for third spell

Balmer left the Magpies for then National League South side Poole Town and scored only three goals in 42 appearances.

However, he has rediscovered his scoring touch at Winchester, totalling 40 goals in 87 matches.

Last season was particularly impressive as Balmer netted 26 goals and registered 17 assists in 41 games as well as scooping the Citizens’ top goalscorer award.

And a further lure for Balmer was once again working under boss Glenn Howes, who previously took the forward on loan at Blackfield & Langley.

“We welcome back another former Magpie having been involved in the under-23 system, unfortunately the lure of (National League) South football with Poole Town starved the supporters of seeing Olly play,” Howes told Dorchester’s media team.

“Olly, like Kieran and Ollie, played a pivotal role in Winchester City’s play-off winning season and we can’t wait to witness Olly’s infectious all-out style of play.”

Balmer joins Griggs, Douglas and Keith Emmerson as the newest recruits at Dorchester, with Callum Buckley, Alfie Stanley, Tiago Sa and Harvey-Joe Bertrand taking their tally to eight signings.

Ash Wells, Oakley Hanger, Tom Soares, Charlie Gunson, Yemi Odubade, Billy Lowes and Harry McGrath have departed Dorchester this season.