TRIALIST Mike Hookway remains hopeful of climbing the non-League ladder by landing a contract with Dorchester Town.

The keeper made 26 appearances for Wessex Premier League outfit Romsey Town last season but is now trying his luck with the Blue Square Bet South Magpies.

Hookway has so far featured three times this pre-season, conceding five goals in games against Wimborne Town, Crawley Town and Dagenham & Redbridge.

The 28-year-old is enjoying his time with the county town outfit and does not want to see it end any time soon.

He said: “It’s been really good so far and I’ve really enjoyed making the step up from the Wessex League.

“The fitness work has really helped. I don’t feel completely match-fit yet but that will come with more games. I’m certainly confident I can make the step up.

“The club have got two good keepers in Regan Coward and Simon Evans but if I keep my head down and keep working hard then I’m quite confident something will happen.

“I feel my communication is good, but this is a different level and I need to make sure I’m on top of my game to win something with the club.”

Hookway looked set to keep a clean sheet in Saturday’s clash with the League One Daggers, but a Gavin Tomlin strike two minutes from time put paid to those hopes.

The gloveman added: “I felt I went down a little bit too early for the goal but that’s all down to match-fitness, as in a couple of games’ time that perhaps wouldn’t happen.

“I felt I was quite sound in everything else. Ashley Vickers asked us as keepers to try our best to make sure we pick out our own players but also to make it difficult for the opposition to win their headers from our goal-kicks.

“All the lads worked really hard, especially in midfield, and that made it a bit easier for us at the back.

“Against Crawley we really struggled but on Saturday we were tight as a unit and difficult to break down.”

Dorchester’s next pre-season outing sees them entertain Championship outfit Crystal Palace tomorrow night (7.45pm).

Hookway said: “I’m looking forward to the games ahead, it’s only going to get better in terms of the team gelling and hopefully I can be a part of that.”

Secretary and vice-chairman David Martin confirmed that, despite the club facing a winding up petition, the Magpies can still sign players.

He said: “The threat of a winding up petition has no immediate impact on the ability to sign players.

“Should it be successfully granted by the court on July 28 then sporting sanctions could come into it.

“However, the chairman Shaun Hearn is confident the situation will be dealt with before it gets to that stage.”