DORCHESTER Town wade into unchartered waters when they host Rayners Lane at the Avenue Stadium tomorrow (3pm).
The Magpies were originally scheduled to face the Isthmian South Central side, who ply their trade on tier below in Step 4, before organising a home meeting with Eastleigh.
However, when the Spitfires friendly fell through, the Magpies quickly rearranged with Lane, who are in the area on a team-bonding trip.
They are managed by former Beaconsfield Town boss Gary Meakin and Dorchester manager Tom Killick is relishing the encounter.
READ MORE: 'More difficult' for trialists to earn place at Dorchester Town, says Tom Killick
He told Echosport: “We’re expecting them to be quite a strong side because they’ve been promoted into Step 4 and they’re trying to see if they can get out.
“Other than that, all we’re doing is focusing on the things that we want to focus on, which is fitness, getting minutes in and starting to build a bit of cohesion.”
Dorchester comfortably saw off Step 6 opposition in Hamworthy United last week, beginning their pre-season campaign with a 4-0 win at the County Ground.
However, Killick does not have any major improvements on that performance in mind.
“Not really,” he admitted. “I think the first couple of games you’re literally trying to get the players to work as hard as possible for probably a bit of a restricted period.
“There’s not many, if any, that will play 90 minutes yet. So, it’s just part of the gradual build-up.
“Then, starting with the Bashley game on Tuesday, that’s when we would start being a little more mindful of the tactical side.”
Dorchester have made a total of 18 signings this summer, including the arrivals of seven new players that did not feature in any capacity during the 2023/24 season.
This will be the first time Dorchester’s home faithful will have seen the new players in action, coming little under three months since their previous home game, a 4-0 loss to AFC Totton.
And Killick is keen to see his new recruits grace the Avenue Stadium.
He said: “I’m excited, there’s a lot that I’ve been enthusiastic about during our sessions and the Hamworthy game.
“I’m just looking forward to hopefully a bit more of the same.”
Luke Pardoe could feature for the first time in pre-season (Image: PHIL STANDFIELD)
Luke Pardoe and Olaf Koszela (foot) missed the Hamworthy friendly with injury but Killick revealed the latter remains out.
“Luke will be able to play some part in the game,” he said.
“Will Spetch is back and Olaf has got a little bit of plantar fasciitis so we’re not going to rush him back.
“He’s been doing quite a lot of running in the close season and it’s something that’s come up.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here