DORCHESTER Town are, according to manager Tom Killick, in a “much better place” as they target a hat-trick of wins tonight (7.45pm).

The Magpies visit AFC Totton fresh off the back of wins against Harrow Borough and Merthyr Town.

Victory against the Stags would give Dorchester three successive wins for the third time in 18 months, following two such runs in the previous season.

However, with the promoted side currently in fifth, Killick expects another demanding assignment.

He told Echosport: “They’re very well resourced, they’re very powerful in terms of their personnel.

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"They’re having a good season, it’s their first season at this level.

“I feel, which is fairly inevitable in the position we’re in, that confidence hasn’t been great. Having won two in a row, I just feel we’re in a much, much better place.

“I think there’s going to be a real anticipation amongst the group in terms of really looking forward to the Totton match.

“Whereas, it might’ve been quite a daunting proposition had we not managed to do what we’ve done in the last couple of games.

“Certainly, a big challenge but from what I can see of the group they’re going to really relish it.”

Killick has previous experience of playing Totton this season, during his time with Poole.

“I went to Totton earlier and I’ve seen first hand that they’re a very good outfit,” he said.

“Merthyr were one of the best sides in the league. Yes, we’re at home but they’re on a 3G which they’re obviously very comfortable with and we were worthy winners.

“So, in very simple terms if we can do what we’ve done against Merthyr, we can beat Totton away, that’s for sure.

“That’s the mindset we’re going to have.”

Jack Dickson (knee) should be fit but Ed James (ankle) is out. Ieuan Turner will continue to deputise in central defence, with the Magpies' youth product impressing Killick in recent weeks.

“Young Ieuan, playing right-sided centre-half, he’s only 18, for the maturity he’s showing and the levels at that age, with him being such an inexperienced lad, it’s very positive him being alongside Will Spetch.

“He’s been absolutely exceptional. It’s a real credit to Ieuan that we haven’t missed Ed in a significant way. Having said that, we welcome him back with open arms.”