DORCHESTER Town will review left-back Harvey Hughes’ progress after the Magpies agreed a dual-registration deal with Step 5 side AFC Portchester.
Former Blackpool and Pompey youngster Hughes has joined fourth-placed Portchy in the midst of their push to gain promotion from the Velocity Wessex League Premier Division.
However, Hughes was deprived of a debut for the Tangerines after Saturday’s home game with Andover New Street was postponed.
Magpies’ boss Tom Killick explained the move originated in part due to the excellent form of Yeovil loanee Ollie Haste.
He told Echosport: “Harvey’s just been very unlucky in that I feel Ollie Haste’s been doing very well.
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“Harvey’s opportunities have been limited. He hasn’t had much time coming off the bench, so he’s taken the opportunity to play for Portchester.
“We’ll review it game-by-game. He’s been really good in training, he’s looked really bright. So, I’m keen to give him an opportunity at some point.
“Where we’ve been doing a bit better lately and Ollie, in particular, has been doing well, his opportunities have been limited so it just made sense for him to go and get some game time, a bit of confidence.
“When we do need him, he’s going to be in a better place.”
Killick added: “We only arranged it readiness for (Saturday’s) game, and then I’ll have a conversation with him.
“We’ll review things in readiness for Wednesday (at Totton) but he’s still very much a part of our plans between now and the end of the season.”
Hughes could make his Portchester debut in the rearranged match with New Street this evening (7.45pm), and/or feature in Dorchester’s league clash at his former club AFC Totton tomorrow (7.45pm).
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