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Forbes blow for Magpies
by
Ky Capel
Ivan Forbes has been ruled out of tonight's Blue Square South clash
with Basingstoke Town (7.45pm) - the Magpies' first home fixture
of the new season.
The Portuguese forward was stretchered off during Saturday's 1-0
win at Braintree Town and will not be fit in time to face the 'Stoke
at the Jewson Stadium.
Manager Shaun Brooks said: "We are getting him checked out
and we won't know any more until he's seen the specialist. He got
a whack on his knee and was stretchered off. However, he is definitely
out of the Basingstoke game."
Forbes was replaced by Leon Osei on Saturday, and he went on to
set up Nick Crittenden for the winning goal. But Brooks was giving
nothing away in terms of who will take Forbes' place in tonight's
line-up.
Mark Jermyn and Jamie Gleeson remain sidelined with knee injuries
as Dorchester aim to record back-to-back wins for the first time
in the league since last September.
Of tonight's opponents, who drew 1-1 at home to Hampton & Richmond
Borough in their opening day fixture, Brooks added: "They've
had quite a change around over the summer with Frank Gray coming
in as manager, and he's got a wealth of experience.
"Because of the changes they've made it's hard to know what
you'll come across but we're looking forward to building on Saturday's
result and looking to get another three points."
The Magpies endured a difficult time at the Jewson Stadium last
season with just five league wins out of 21 home games - including
a 1-0 victory over Basingstoke last March.
Brooks is hopeful that record will be improved on this time around.
He said: "Our players have performed well at home in pre-season
and we're hoping the crowd can get behind us. I don't think it matters
what stadium you play in, good players will win more games for you.
"We've got to do our part. If I was a fan I don't think I
would have paid to watch many games last year but this season is
completely different.
"Dorchester is a great place to come to and the pitch will
allow us to get the ball down and play, it's our responsibility
to go out and try to win the game.
"You start to see a true reflection of the league after ten
games or so, and we need to approach each game in the right manner,
as it will be a massive boost if we can get points on the board
early.
"I'd much rather we get ourselves into a good position so
that we can push on, rather than see us trying to play catch up."
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