Dorchester Town are finishing the campaign strongly in the Pitching In Southern League Premier South.
Saturday’s come-from-behind victory over Hanwell Town was their seventh success in the last eight games and their 11th game unbeaten to leave then looking up the table rather than down, in ninth position.
It’s a run of form that has also seen them scoop the PST Sport Club of the Month award for March 2024.
“For me, the key factor behind this run of form is simply the character of the squad,” admitted front-man, Luke Pardoe, who weighed in with an assist at the weekend. “Everyone wants to improve and get better, even at this late stage of the season, and it’s showing through as we’re all fighting for a starting spot.
“The lads that have stepped up and come in to cover for injuries and suspension have all done really well and added to the competition.
“The aim for us between now and the end of the season is to continue this run, win as many games as possible and finish as high up the table as we can.”
This is a happy end to what has been a frustrating campaign for Pardoe, who arrived at the Magpies in February following over 100 appearances for Poole Town.
“It’s not been one of my best seasons,” he admitted. “I was injured for a couple of months at the start and then when I did start to get back, the weather took a hold and there were a lot of games postponed, so it was difficult to find my feet and get into any rhythm.
“My form has picked up massively since I joined Dorchester; I know the Gaffer well and now I’m ending the season in a really positive frame of mind.
“I am pleased with how I have settled in here; it helped that I already knew a few of the lads from my previous club, but when you have the quality that we have here, both on the playing and coaching staff, it makes life so much easier.
“The Premier South has been strong this year. There are a lot of good teams and talented players involved, so every game is as challenging as the last. Every team is capable of beating each other, so the approach has to be right to each game or else you will get found out.
“We’ve been on a great run and the confidence is flowing throughout the team and fan base, which I must say has been a key factor in our strong run of form.”
Three games remain for the Dorset outfit; on Tuesday they go to Tiverton Town before heading to Basingstoke Town on Saturday. The curtain then comes down on the season at home to AFC Totton.
IMAGE: Phil Standfield
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