Jordan Barnett, Ollie Haste and Benjani Jr join Dorchester Town

Barnett is the headline deal, having played 17 times for Oldham Athletic in Sky Bet League One and built up National League experience at Notts County and Yeovil Town.

The 23-year-old has been on trial in central midfield for Dorchester but is best-known for his skills at left-back with his previous three clubs.

Barnett was part of the Yeovil side that reached the FA Cup third round in 2021/22, losing 3-1 to Bournemouth having knocked arch-enemies Weymouth out en route.

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Barnett’s deliveries from corners and free-kicks were a particular threat for Yeovil in that season and Dorchester view him as a quality replacement in that department for Charlie Gunson.

Barnett left Yeovil at the end of that season to join Matlock Town in the Northern Premier League at Step 3, before moving up to National League North level with Buxton.

And Barnett’s return to the West Country has opened the door for Dorchester to secure his signature.

Magpies’ boss Glenn Howes told Dorchester’s media team: “We had a snapshot of what Jordan’s about in the fixture against Eastleigh.

“He’s a very accomplished player in terms of the levels he has played at and the teams he has played for.

Jordan Barnett, right, in action for Yeovil Town against Bournemouth in the FA Cup third round (Image: PA WIRE)

“Although he’s still only 23-years-old, he’s going to bring a little bit of experience and bite to our midfield that we’ve been lacking and we've been searching high and low for.

“We’ve obviously lost our dead-ball specialist so that’s also definitely something we’ve looked to acquire in Jordan’s technical ability and it was on-point for us to witness on Tuesday night, so that will also be a huge asset for us as the season goes on.”

“Players of his quality don’t grow on trees and we’ve been very fortunate that Jordan has made a choice to relocate and come back down south, because without that he wouldn’t be a Dorchester Town player.”

Haste and Benjani Jr also have Yeovil connections as the duo join on loan from the Glovers, having both played against Dorchester in their 5-0 friendly win in July.

They arrive on season-long deals after impressing in Dorchester colours while on trial during friendlies against Wimborne Town and Eastleigh.

Defender Haste spent a successful season on loan at Truro City last year where he was part of the side that won promotion to the National League South.

Striker Benjani Jr is the son of ex-Portsmouth, Man City and Zimbabwe forward Benjani Mwaruwari.

The 18-year-old who has already scored his first goal for the club on Tuesday night against Eastleigh – spent time on loan at Sherborne Town during the previous campaign.

Speaking after the Wimborne friendly last weekend, boss Glenn Howes said: “The two lads coming in are season-long loans, so we can plan relatively long-term with them, and both of them we know reasonably well.

“Ollie had a standout season last year with Truro, and we felt deservedly gained promotion when we played against them three times last year, so we know a lot about him.

“He’s very athletic, he's young but aggressive, good in and out of possession, very competent even though this was his first outing as he has not trained with us yet, so he’s going to be very good.”

On Benjani, Howes added: “Benjani is little bit different to what we have and he offered us a huge spark out there.

“He’s got that little bit of magic, little bit of creativity in the final third dropping off into spaces, and he’s tenacious for an 18-year-old – he’s not just got ability, his work ethic is really impressive as well.

“He played against us last Tuesday night and caused us untold problems. He's going to need a bit of patience as it's his first full season at this level, but he's had a really good pre-season with Yeovil and starting to turn heads.

“When the opportunity arose from Toddy (Chris Todd, assistant manager), Matt (Percival, under-18 manager) and the team at Yeovil we snapped their arms off, so it’s going to be a pleasure working with them two.”

The trio could make their competitive debuts at Merthyr Town on Saturday (3pm).