BRADLEY Tarbuck’s return to Dorchester Town could act as a “stepping stone” for a move back to the higher echelons of the game.

That is the opinion of Magpies’ player assistant-manager Nick Crittenden following Tarbuck’s reintroduction to the Avenue faithful on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Dorchester, was arguably his side’s standout performer against Frome in midweek.

And after being released by Portsmouth in May, Crittenden believes the teenager’s second stint with the Magpies can help him and the club.

“It benefits us and it benefits him, and we’ll just see where it goes, but we’re very happy to have Bradley back on board,” said Crittenden.

“It could well be a stepping stone for him. If he could have a good 10-20 games and get clubs watching him then he could move up again.

“We were very happy with the way Bradley played on Tuesday night.

“He has got the pace and directness that maybe we’ve been lacking.

“He has obviously got the ability on the ball and he’s a player that we can rely on to unlock defences or maybe produce a bit of magic when the game goes dead.”

Dorchester host Dunstable Town today (3pm) in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division.