DORCHESTER Town boss Glenn Howes is hoping to continue good fortunes at the Avenue Stadium this weekend when Harrow Borough visit the county town tomorrow (3pm).

Howes helped instigate a dramatic improvement in form in front of the Magpies’ own fans last season.

Out of 21 league games at Dorchester, the Magpies won 11 and recorded the ninth-best home statistics in the Southern League Premier South.

Dorchester are also chasing a first win of the season, having been beaten 3-2 at Merthyr on the opening day.

Howes told Echosport: “They’re very much changed from last year.

READ MORE: Lewis Waterfield praised for emergency defensive role

“Harrow teams have always been very good technicians, full of energy and with the profile of players they’ve recruited I’m sure it will be an entertaining game.”

On securing a first win, Howes added: “You don’t want it dragging out in terms of chasing points and games.

“Any defeat in football hurts but even more when it’s the opening fixture because you’ve been working so hard across the summer.

“It does bring more added pressure and a willingness to get your first points under the belt.”

Switching focus to form at the Avenue, Howes said: “The home record speaks for itself. The team and players, everyone really enjoys playing at the Avenue.

“We enjoy our 3G facility, and who wouldn’t? We’re very fortunate to have it so it’s up to us to make full use of it this year.”

Harvey-Joe Bertrand, Jordi Foot and Jake Graziano are all available after missing the trip to Merthyr, forcing midfielder Lewis Waterfield to become a makeshift defender.

“We’ve pretty much got a full compliment of players, which is really encouraging,” he said.

“All the knocks and niggles have all been repaired and the players are fully available.”

Lewis Toms (unavailable) is the Magpies’ only absentee.

Howes said: “The way pre-season is, because of the load required on the players, it’s inevitable you’re going to pick up a few knocks and niggles.

“There will be players who didn’t play a huge amount of football last year, so it gives them a bit more care. It’s great to have everybody back fit and firing now.”