Dorchester defender Gary Bowles has expressed his frustration at being sidelined for the start of the new season.

The 21-year-old left last week’s 4-2 win at Sholing in an ambulance but initial fears that he had broken an ankle were extinguished when X-ray results revealed a hairline fracture.

Bowles, who is expected to be out of action for at least a month, said: “I’m gutted and I was very upset in hospital when they said it was a hairline fracture, as I knew I would be out for a few weeks.

“Now all the hard work I had been doing counts for nothing.

“I suppose the good news is that it’s not a break. If it was a break then I don’t think I would have played this side of Christmas.

“Hopefully I’ll be running again in three or four weeks and then look to get my sharpness back, before obviously fighting for my place in the team.

“There’s very good competition for places and all the lads are playing well. I’m just going to have to work that extra bit harder now to get back into the team.

“I felt quite confident in the friendlies, Ashley Vickers had told me that I was playing well and I was really looking forward to the new season. Unfortunately I’ll have to watch it from the sidelines now.

“I’ve broken my finger once before but nothing else so I’m not used to being out for a long time. But that’s football for you.”

Bowles’ team-mates are in action again tonight as they look to bounce back from Saturday’s 5-0 defeat at the hands of AFC Bournemouth.

The Magpies visit Zamaretto Premier Division outfit Bashley (7.45pm) with boss Ashley Vickers set to ring the changes in an attempt to keep his players fresh.

He said: “The boys have worked ever so hard lately, they’ve been training four times a week on top of working full-time, so they need adequate rest. As a result there will be a different side out tonight.

“We will still field a strong team but there will be one or two who may not partake. Having said that, it’s a chance for others, including the trialists, to stake a claim.”

One man who will certainly miss out this evening is Steve Devlin, as the midfielder continues his trial with League One side Dagenham & Redbridge.

The ex-Holt United ace played 76 minutes for the Daggers in last night's 3-1 win at Billericay.

Meanwhile, Dorchester’s manager has also revealed that he would consider loaning players to lower-league neighbours Weymouth.

He added: “I have spoken with Ian Hutchinson about that and there’s no reason why we can’t help each other. We will have players who need games so we’ll see what comes of it.

“If it’s positive for everyone involved then there’s no reason why it can’t happen. However, there have been no names mentioned yet.”