DORCHESTER Town winger Tom Blair admits he owes the Magpies a good display ahead of their FA Cup second qualifying round clash at Tiverton Town tomorrow (3pm).

Blair, 19, was sent off in the first qualifying round contest at Wimborne, leading to a frantic last half an hour for the Magpies who salvaged a replay when Callum Rose buried a 95th-minute equaliser.

Despite playing during the 3-0 replay win over Matty Holmes’ men, Blair is mindful of the perilous position his dismissal put Dorchester in.

Blair, who was suspended for Dorchester’s 2-2 draw at Beaconsfield Town on Saturday, told Echosport: “I’m just looking forward to getting back against Tiverton.

“I let myself down against Wimborne, but luckily the character of the lads got us through it.

“I owe them one, to be honest. Hopefully I can prove that.”

Commenting on the strength of Tivvy, Blair is respectful of a side that currently sits 12 places above the Magpies in third place in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier South.

He said: “We took four points from them last season, but they look a strong outfit. They’re quite a decent team, but we can deal with it – I think we’ll do alright.

“Obviously away from home is a bit of a disadvantage but I’m sure our fans will travel down and get behind us and hopefully we’ll be in the draw for the next round.”

As a player, Blair spoke of his pride in competing in the most prestigious cup competition in England.

He said: “It’s massive. When you tell people you play in the FA Cup it’s really nice. The more you go on, the more special it gets.

“It would be fantastic to get a good draw in the next round if we get past Tiverton. Not looking too forward, if we get a big draw you never know where you’re going to go.

“Hopefully we can do something in the FA Cup, get past a few rounds and cause a few upsets.”

Dorchester’s Ash Pope (knee) remains out, while Ross Carmichael (knee) is doubtful and Neil Martin (groin) continues to be assessed. Blair is available after his one-game ban.