MAGPIES’ manager Ashley Vickers is hoping to see the floodgates open this campaign after watching goal-getter Chris Flood take his pre-season tally to four.

The 21-year-old maintained his fine form this summer with a superb double in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Blue Square Bet South rivals Thurrock.

And Vickers is keeping his fingers crossed that Flood, who produced an outstanding 30-yard volley, continues to flow when the new term gets underway next month.

He said: “It will do his confidence the world of good and hopefully pay dividends for us.

“He brings a different dynamic to what we have had before and he creates problems for the opposition.

“It’s about making sure he has plenty of belief in himself.

“He has done ever so well in pre-season, I’m really pleased with him and hopefully it’s a sign of things to come.”

The county town chief, who saw Kyle Critchell put the Magpies in pole position at the Avenue Stadium, added: “The lads did really well. They played with a really good tempo, they pressed the ball and looked ever so fit.

“We went 2-0 up but conceded a sloppy goal just before half-time. However, we came good again in the second half and Floody made it 3-1.

“We then made a lot of changes but we still finished the game well.

“The majority of the first-team boys played 65 to 70 minutes so we’re slowly progressing things in order to peak on August 13.

“I also thought Ben Dickenson did really well out on the left. You forget he’s only 18 but he is definitely one for the future and I’m delighted we managed to get him.”

The Magpies, who visit Hamworthy United this evening (7.45pm), took just eight minutes to open the scoring at the weekend.

Ben Dickenson delivered a corner to the near post and Critchell was there to convert.

Ryan Moss thought he had netted number two in the 17th minute, only to be thwarted by the linesman’s flag.

However, the lead was eventually extended three minutes before the break, and in emphatic fashion – Flood unleashing a dipping volley from all of 30 yards.

And just as the hosts sniffed a third, Thurrock halved the deficit going into half-time.

A Dorchester corner was cleared and after shaking off the attentions of Nick Crittenden, Glenn Poole homed in on the Magpies’ goal before beating keeper Simon Evans.

The joy was short-lived as the county town side restored their cushion two minutes into the second period.

Flood was picked out on the edge of the penalty area and the visiting defenders froze at the sight of the assistant’s raised flag.

However, the flag was quickly withdrawn and Flood took full advantage with an accurate drive into the far corner.

Magpies: Evans, Critchell (Bowles 66), Martin (Devlin 54), Jermyn, Walker, Peprah-Annan (Kimber 78), Crittenden (Coutts 72), Dovell (Symes 72), Moss (Wilson 66), Flood, Dickenson (Butcher 78). Sub not used: Bell.

* Dorchester’s Gary Bowles has been invited to train with AFC Bournemouth this week following his appearance for the Cherries in last Thursday's 2-2 draw at Winchester City.