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Brooks is backing Magpies to build
by
Ky Capel
Dorchester Town manager Shaun Brooks was delighted to see his side
get off to a winning start at Braintree but is keen to see his men
build on Saturday's 1-0 victory.
The Magpies won the game late on at Cressing Road with Nick Crittenden
scoring in the 80th minute on his competitive debut.
The three points leave Dorchester eighth in the Blue Square South
table, and Brooks believes his troops deserved their opening day
success.
He said: "It's a good start and it was a happy coach journey
home. We nullified a strong outfit who have finished in the play-offs
for the last two seasons.
"I don't remember them creating any clear-cut chances. They
had a few corners but we defended fantastically well.
"We looked stronger as the game went on and we looked the
more likely to win so it was a thoroughly deserved victory."
Crittenden's goal was set-up by fellow new boy Leon Osei who came
on in the first half following an injury to pre-season star Ivan
Forbes.
Brooks added: "Ivan started the game but came off after about
30 minutes. He took a whack to his knee, which looked quite bad
at the time, but it has settled down a bit and we'll assess him
today."
The Magpies now look forward to their first home clash of the campaign
tomorrow night when they entertain Basingstoke Town.
Brooks said: "Braintree's a tough place to come but we spoke
beforehand about being disciplined and resilient. We've now got
a wonderful opportunity, with two home games coming up, to capitalise
on this result.
"We want to enjoy this victory, especially after losing a
lot of games last year, but we will make sure we get our feet back
on the ground and approach the Basingstoke game in the right manner.
"I think we're an unknown quantity this year. People will
look at us and see that we've got more quality and experience and
this result could be a statement of intent, but we have to build
on it."
The county town boss was also impressed with debutant keeper Gareth
Stewart and newly named team captain Roy O'Brien.
Brooks said: "Gareth was outstanding. He was very assured
and, along with the back four there was a real calmness in defence.
"But we defended from the front and everyone put a real shift
of work in, which is needed to win any game.
"Roy was absolutely magnificent, he has carried on his pre-season
form and looks in great shape. He's playing as well as I've seen
him.
"Overall it was a good afternoon's work but we need to build
on it."
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