Taking a closer look at…..Dorchester Town

Who are the new Magpies?

Pitching In Southern Football League Premier Division club Dorchester Town were one of the few teams grateful that the 2019/20 season was declared null and void.

The Magpies were bottom of the table and 11 points from safety when lockdown occurred.

Manager Leigh Robinson set about a re-building job in the long close season and he was certainly one of the busiest bosses in the transfer market, adding virtually a new squad.

Despite the changes, Dorchester have begun the 2020/21 campaign with two losses – at home to Weston-super-Mare in the league and then, hugely disappointingly for Magpies` supporters, 2-1 away at Sydenhams Football League (Wessex) Premier Division side Christchurch in the Emirates FA Cup last Tuesday.

It`s the defence where Robinson targeted the majority of his squad strengthening.

Joel Kiwobo, 26, is a central defender who had spells playing in Portugal and Italy as well as his native France before signing for the Magpies earlier this month.

He began with Portuguese side Moura AC before returning to France to play for Toulouse Rodeo and Saint-Quentin.

Italy was his next port of call with Nuorese, Spoleto and then, from December 2019, Ellera.

Oakley Hanger has re-joined Dorchester in July, having originally made his debut in 2014.

The 24-year-old became a regular in the side at full-back going on to make over 60 appearances before moving to the USA, where he completed a four-year scholarship at Saginaw Valley State University, also playing for the Lander Bear Cats.

Charlie Madden signed for Dorchester from league rivals Weston-super-Mare, who he had joined in June 2019 after completing a four-year scholarship in the USA.

The imposing 6`3” centre-back is also capable of playing in central midfield, came through the ranks with Exeter City and upon completing his scholarship was not offered a contract and left the Grecians in 2015.

He made the move to American university Franklin Pierce during the latter part of 2015.

He took up majoring in sports management while also taking a four-year scholarship with the team.

During his time at the university, he made 40 appearances and scored 5 goals before returning to England and signing for the Seagulls.

Youngster Harry Hodges is a versatile full-back who joined just ahead of the season after being released by League One side Bristol Rovers.

The 20-year-old had signed for the Gas in August 2019 following a successful trial period.

He spent the earlier part of his career at Plymouth Argyle, but failed to make an appearance in the senior side but spent the latter half of the 2018/19 season on loan at Vanarama National League North outfit Gloucester City, where he was able to pick up vital experience playing in and around a first-team.

Sam Poole (left) is another new centre-back well-known in the area, having turned out for several of Dorchester`s local neighbours.

The 28-year-old checked into the Avenue Stadium in June from league rivals Wimborne Town.

He had signed for the `other` Magpies from former league rivals Blackfield & Langley, who he skippered to back-to-back promotions up to Southern Premier South in 2018/19.

Before his spell at Gang Warily, he played for Weymouth for over ten years after coming up through the club's youth ranks.

He left the Terras in 2015 in search of more regular football.

A former team-mate of Sam Poole at Weymouth, Ashley Wells, has also joined Dorchester.

The 29-year-old local Dorset boy can play anywhere across the backline.

A skilful defender with plenty of pace, he signed for Weymouth from Wessex Leaguers Portland United in February 2012.

He moved to Salisbury in March 2020 before signing for Dorchester earlier this month.

In the midfield area, Robinson added Leighton Thomas and Josiah Dunstan.

Thomas is a Cayman Island under-20 international winger who joined the Magpies from Toolstation Western League Premier Division side Street.

Dorchester could have signed him earlier as they were one of a number of clubs who had a look at him on trial at the beginning of the 2017/18 season.

After missing out with the Magpies, he elected to join Western League neighbours Bridport where he netted 13 goals in 50 appearances in his first season with them and then 15 goals in 22 appearances the following campaign.

Dunstan is a 20-year-old who signed for Dorchester in July, having finished the 2019/20 season on the books at Southern Division One South outfit Mangotsfield United.

He had joined the Magpies` league rivals Taunton Town in November 2019.

The 6`3” midfielder, who can also play at centre-back, had returned from the United States where he played for Georgia Southern Eagles.

Formerly an attendee of the prestigious Hartpury College football academy, he also had a spell with Hungerford Town and Gloucestershire County League side Wick FC (Bristol).

Added to the attacking strength is Sam Bayston and Ruben Wilson.

Bayston is a 26-year-old who played for Poole Town, New Milton Town, and Hamworthy United before joining Wimborne Town for the first time in 2015/16.

In his second season at Wimborne a couple of bad injuries restricted his game time.

He left near the end of 2017/18, re-joining Hamworthy and then returned to Wimborne at the end of the 2018/19 season before switching to league rivals and neighbours Dorchester in June.

Wilson (right) is a young striker who has joined the Magpies on a three-month loan deal from League One side Plymouth Argyle and scored on his debut.

Another loanee at the Avenue Stadium is teenage goalkeeper Will Buse, who has arrived on a season-long loan from Championship outfit Bristol City.

Dorchester Town Web Site