DORCHESTER Town manager Steve Thompson spoke of the importance of replicating the “energy and tempo” that his side displayed against Basingstoke Town on Tuesday night.
The Magpies go into their second encounter with the Dragons in five days as they host the Hampshire side in the FA Trophy first qualifying round at the Avenue Stadium tomorrow (3pm).
Having picked up a 1-1 draw through Aaron Rodriguez’s 73rd-minute equaliser, Thompson is this time aiming for a victory in front of Dorchester’s home faithful.
He told Echosport: “They’re a team in our league, above us at the moment, so it’s not an easy draw. I think it’s important that we go out with the energy and tempo that we had on Tuesday night.
“That’s been present in most games since I took over. I’ll be looking for us to produce a similar performance and hopefully we can get the result.
“The players are similar from the tactical and management side of things. I’ve already watched them twice this year, they’ve got a young squad.”
Meanwhile, promising centre-back Jordan Storey has been recalled to parent club Exeter. Thompson described the loss as a “big blow”.
But the Magpies’ boss has since brought in Gabby Adelowo and Mo Baghdadi as cover.
He said: “It’s only fair to say that Gabby came in as cover with Jordan back at Exeter, which is a big blow.
“Mo’s a defender and he had a good 65 minutes. He’s more aware of the way I want him to play. It’s good that he got 65 minutes under his belt.”
Commenting on Storey’s move back to St James’ Park, Thompson had mixed emotions.
He said: “He’s done very well for us and it’s not gone unnoticed by Exeter. He’s done very well in a couple of development games that he’s played.
“The combination of him doing very well with both meant that Paul Tisdale called him back to be with the first team squad.
“It’s brilliant for Jordan and a little bit sad for us because we didn’t want to lose him. We wish him all the best in his quest for a first team place.
“If you said that he was going to play for us again then I’d be absolutely delighted.”
Storey’s recall leaves Dorchester with just two recognised centre-backs in Ross Carmichael and captain Gary Bowles.
Thompson said: “We’re very short in the centre-back position. Gary has been used in central midfield and that’s taken that option away.
“It’s important we get another centre-back in to provide us with competition and cover.”
The Magpies have had to deal with a myriad of injuries in recent weeks, but could welcome back Rory Fallon and Luke Winsper for the tie.
Thompson said: “It’s been really bad over the last few weeks. Sam Lanahan came back on Tuesday and I don’t think he had any reaction.
“I’m hopeful that Rory Fallon will be fit, and Luke Winsper. It would be nice to have him available again.
“I don’t think Chris Clarke will be fit for the game and Ollie Griggs is awaiting surgery on a hernia.”
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