DORCHESTER Town are a “different outfit” to previous weeks, according to boss Tom Killick.

The Magpies have tasted only one defeat in nine Pitching In Southern League Premier South matches, rising to 15th.

However, given the condensed nature of the bottom half, Dorchester are far from safety and only enjoy a seven-point gap to Plymouth Parkway, who have seven games in hand.

And entertaining Dorchester tonight (7.45pm) are Tiverton Town, bang in trouble in 20th place.

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Due to Dorchester’s run of four games unbeaten, though, Killick goes to Ladysmead with renewed confidence in his team.

He told Echosport: “We just feel that we’re a different outfit now than perhaps we were a few weeks ago.

“There’s a connection beginning to show amongst the players, not just in terms of from the playing side but also a bit of an affinity between them as a group.

“It’s something I’ve always valued and felt was important at non-League level. I just feel that is starting to reflect in performances.

“We know we can’t be premature in terms of praise and thinking that we’ve done enough, because it’s nowhere near.

“You look at Parkway, if they win games in hand you’ve got everyone bunched together on similar points.”

Victory for Dorchester would create a 10-point buffer between themselves and Tiverton.

“We’ve got a bit of momentum,” Killick conceded. “But you’ve only got to lower your standards momentarily and the whole mood changes.

“We’re not anywhere close to getting carried away. We just have a bit of belief.

“There’s a decent morale about the place, which is all you can ask at this stage of the season.”

Shaq Gwengwe (ankle) will be monitored, while Luke Pardoe (illness) should be fit.