ASHLEY Vickers believes it is only a matter of time before Dorchester Town collect their first point of the new season.

The Magpies languish at the foot of Blue Square Bet South following three defeats from their opening three games – the last of which coming in the form of a 2-1 loss at home to Woking on Saturday.

But the county town chief, whose side visit Basingstoke Town this evening (7.45pm), remains optimistic.

He said: “It’s a huge test for me and it’s a test for the boys. It’s a test of character but I don’t have any qualms about putting my head on the chopping block as I have confidence in the players and in my own ability.

“You can only go forward and if we won the next three games we would be more than happy with the start to the season.

“We want those first points sooner rather than later but if we play with the same endeavour and the same work-rate as we did in the first game at Bromley, and on Saturday, then it will come.”

Asked if he felt under any more pressure following the Magpies’ dismal start to the campaign, Vickers replied: “No. I put huge expectation and pressure on myself but that doesn’t change how I handle it. I’m a fighter and I always will be.”

Dave Gilroy, who Vickers tried to sign in pre-season, was the thorn in Dorchester’s side on Saturday as his double, including a late winner, secured a first victory of the season for Woking.

Reflecting on the reversal, in which Ryan Hill scored with another fabulous free-kick, Vickers said: “I thought the performance was excellent and the boys bounced back from Tuesday’s defeat against Eastleigh.

“They did all that I asked but we didn’t get the breaks. Everyone who was at the game will agree that we dominated so to get caught by a late sucker punch like we did was criminal.

“Both the goals we conceded were criminal from a defensive point of view.

“The lads have to be mentally strong. The first goal was an awful goal and the second one was as well. We need that mental toughness to close games out.

“We would’ve been unhappy with a point so we’re devastated to get nothing.”

He added: “Any lack of goals is a concern but we are creating opportunities – the ball just isn’t dropping for us and we’re not getting the breaks.

“Everything evens itself out though and you have to keep believing that things will come around.

“That includes refereeing decisions because there was a blatant handball by Woking and it beggars belief as to how that wasn’t given as a penalty.

“All the players are devastated but all we can do is keep the faith and bounce back at Basingstoke.”

Of Gilroy’s contribution, the county town chief said: “He didn’t do much but he got the winner and that’s what he’s paid to do. They’re paying him over £600 a week and we couldn’t compete with those wages.

“I have every respect for him and we were within a hair’s breadth of getting him. It’s frustrating to see him score two goals but it was more frustrating to lose the game the way we did.”

Magpies (from): Evans, Coward, R Hill, Frampton, Critchell, Martin, Smeeton, Walker, K Hill, Jermyn, Coutts, Gleeson, Nodwell, Crittenden, Devlin, Allen, Wilson, Moss, Douglas, Groves.