DORCHESTER Town boss Callum Brooks expects a “physical” contest against Beaconsfield Town when the Rams visit the Clayson Stadium in their BetVictor Southern Premier South opener tomorrow (3pm).
Dorchester fans will be keen to see a positive result, with the Magpies’ three consecutive opening day losses since a 3-0 win over Histon in 2015.
Brooks will take charge of the Magpies in his 11th competitive game at the club – and first heading into a new campaign.
One of former Hamworthy manager Brooks’ first 10 matches at the helm was a 3-1 home loss to Beaconsfield, and the Magpies’ number one is fully aware of the threat the Rams possess.
He told Echosport: “We obviously played them late last season and they were a big, powerful outfit. They’ve also got (Charlie) Losasso as well – he came off injured really early.
“Their management team’s the same so we’re expecting a very difficult, physical challenge but I don’t think that’s limited to playing Beaconsfield.
“I look at that league and to pick up points you’re going to need to be on your mettle, you won’t be able to cruise at 60, 70 per cent and pick up points. It’s a very tough and competitive league.
“Looking at the fixtures you’d be hard pushed to call four or five results. I do think it’s a league where anyone can beat anyone.”
Brooks added the Magpies are eager to get started.
“We’re all chomping at the bit to get out there, play for points and see how our group fares,” he said.
“Pre-season is a means to an end, everyone has to go through it. Parts of it are enjoyable, parts of it are box-ticking.
“We feel we’ve had a very productive and progressive pre-season but nothing comes close to going out there when your goals equal results, which equal points.”
Dorchester have no injury concerns ahead of the clash.
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