MAN-of-the-match Sam Jackson believes the “banter will stop” with his Dorchester Town teammates after the left-back notched his maiden goal for the club in the terrific 6-0 win over Tiverton Town.

With Dorchester 4-0 up and guaranteed to beat the drop, Jackson added the Magpies’ fifth with a header at the back post as 10-man Tiverton wilted at a warm Clayson Stadium.

Since joining the county town club on dual terms from Bashley in November, Jackson has impressed but failed to get the goal his performances deserved until he netted against Tivvy.

Commenting on his header, he told Echosport: “It was full-back to full-back. Where I’ve had chances before, I thought the keeper’s not getting (Kyle Egan’s cross).

“It was whipped so hard I thought ‘if I get anything on it, head it down, it should go in’ and luckily it did.

“I’ve had other chances this season where I’ve slightly missed but I’m glad to get on the scoresheet. The banter will stop from the lads, saying I need a goal, so that’s good.”

Jackson’s debut came against sixth-tier opposition in Hungerford during the 1-0 FA Trophy third qualifying round win and the defender has gone on to make a further 28 appearances.

Having previously plied his trade with Bashley in the ninth tier, Jackson described how he was “thrown” in by then boss Steve Thompson.

He said: “Coming into that Hungerford game I was thrown into it and it’s gone from there. I’ve not had time to stop and think about it, I’ve just got on with my football.

“If you look at how I’ve played I think there is definitely improvement there, that’s down to the players I’m playing with.

“The level of coaching is massive. I come in two days a week to train and think ‘this is so much better than what I’m used to’ so you have to keep going. They wouldn’t trust me if I wasn’t good enough.”

With Dorchester safe, manager Callum Brooks is expected to turn his attentions to building a squad for next season.

Jackson, when asked if he was keen to remain at Dorchester, revealed talks had yet to begin with Magpies’ staff regarding the following campaign.

He said: “We need to have the discussion. If they want me around then I’ll be here. I’ve kept coming under the previous manager.

“It leaves you in a bit of a limbo situation where there’s a new manager – does he rate me? He’s made that clear that he wants to work with me and I’ll leave it to them.

“I’m more than happy to be here and just to help this club stay up, and for me to carry on playing in this division, is massive for me. I’m glad I helped that this season, especially (against Tiverton).”