Dorchester drew a blank at Poole Town last night but manager Ashley Vickers declared the goalless draw as “another step in the right direction”.

The Magpies, who ply their trade three tiers above the Wessex Premier League champions, fielded a side largely containing fringe players and trialists.

Vickers though, was happy with what he saw. He said: “It was a good competitive game and we had a fair few chances which we couldn’t convert. Tatnam Farm is a big pitch and it was therefore a good fitness exercise.

“We played a lot of fringe players and trialists but it was still a good all-round performance. Everyone looked fit and showed the same hunger and desire that has been on display in other friendlies.

“It’s about making sure the lads are tip-top for the start of the season on August 14. They need to be fighting fit on that day, knowing how we want to play.”

Vickers gave a first outing to unknown quantity Sol and could hand the pacey forward another chance to impress when AFC Bournemouth visit the Avenue Stadium tomorrow (3pm).

He added: “I don’t know too much about him but I believe he was at Chester and then got released.

“He’s a very quick striker and created havoc when he came on. He’ll be back on Saturday and we’ll see what develops.”

Other men to earn praise from the Dorchester boss last night included contracted players Harry Nodwell and Harry Montacute, and contract hopefuls Casius Newton and Dan Abioye.

Vickers said: “Harry Nodwell played at right-back and did well, as did Harry Montacute in midfield. Casius came on in midfield and held his position well while Dan Abioye ran his socks off.

“Everyone did well though, so it was all positive and it’s another step in the right direction.”

Striker Stuart Douglas started last night’s game but has yet to become an official member of the Magpies’ squad.

Vickers added: “The chairman Shaun Hearn is still working on something. We’re keen to get Dougie on board so hopefully it will be sorted soon.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s clash with the League One Cherries, the county town chief said: “They are a good side with a great team spirit and you’ve got to take your hat off to them for what they have achieved – especially under the transfer embargo.

“Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall have done an exceptionally good job and I’m really looking forward to welcoming them here. We’ll also welcome back our old chairman Eddie Mitchell and it’s a game I’m really looking forward to.

“The gulf between Conference Football and the Football League is not as big as what you’d imagine, it’s the little things that matter.

“The game is a fitness exercise for us first and foremost but hopefully we’ll give a good account of ourselves.”

Dorchester are set to sport their new home kit tomorrow. Replicas can be ordered online at samba-soccer.co.uk Magpies: Evans (Lillington), Nodwell, Smeeton (Martin), Critchell, K Hill, Abioye (Wilson), Gleeson (Coutts), Montacute (Newton), Knight (Devlin), Byerley (Groves), Douglas (Sol).

* Dorchester will be cheering for Frankie Dettori and Ancien Regime at Goodwood tomorrow.

Dettori rides the five-year-old in the 3.40 and should they be first past the post, then the Magpies will collect £2,000, plus the winnings of a £100 stake, as part of the Football Conference’s Stewards’ Cup competition.

Each club in the Blue Square Bet leagues was allocated a horse but only 28 of them will be represented tomorrow following Thursday’s declaration.