DORCHESTER Town loanee striker Lyle Simpson can use the Magpies as a springboard to achieve his National League ambitions with Eastleigh, boss Glenn Howes insists.

Simpson has been brought in on loan from the Spitfires as a direct replacement for Harvey Bradbury, on loan to National League South side Dartford until the summer.

Simpson’s spell at the Avenue Stadium is initially for one month, having also enjoyed time at Bashley and Brockenhurst.

He scored six times in 12 games for the Bash over two stints, previously netting seven goals in 25 appearances for Brock in the 2021/22 Wessex League Premier term.

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And Howes challenged the forward, part of Eastleigh’s Elite Development Squad (EDS), to assert himself at Southern League level with the Magpies.

Howes told Echosport: “Lyle’s been not necessarily on the radar but he’s on my front door, so I’m very aware of the EDS scheme and the players coming through their pathway.

“I’ve seen some behind-closed-doors games where Lyle’s played and he’s a lad that needs to assert himself in men’s football, transition from development to men’s.

“He’s had a couple of spells at Bashley and Brockenhurst and both experiences he’s found the back of the net.

“Now he’s getting a little bit closer to that National League level where we wants to be.

“He’s got an opportunity between now and the end of the season (to impress).”

Dorchester host Merthyr Town on Saturday (3pm).