Point earned is gold dust for Dorchester (From Dorset Echo)

Point earned is gold dust for Dorchester

8:17am Monday 11th March 2013 in Sport By David Williams, Sports Reporter

PHIL Simkin lauded his team’s “phenomenal” backs-against-the-wall performance against Boreham Wood on Saturday, describing the point gained from the 0-0 draw as “gold dust”.

However, the Magpies’ boss criticised referee Mark Pottage’s decision to send off Nathan Walker as the hosts picked up a third red card in five league games.

Walker now faces a suspension after going in too hard on Boreham Wood midfielder Greg Morgan eight minutes into the second half at the Avenue – Charlie Clough is currently serving a four-match ban while Arran Pugh is set to miss three games as well.

But despite being upset with Walker’s dismissal, Simkin couldn’t hide his delight at the battling qualities his men showed in holding out against the side occupying the last play-off spot.

“This group of players never cease to amaze me,” he said. “That point is gold dust against a very good side that has probably got the best attacking front four in this league.

“I thought we defended brilliantly and I couldn’t have asked for any more.

“Considering the players they had on the pitch and we had 10 men, they should have won that game and they know it.

“The fact they didn’t is down to sheer bloody-mindedness from our players. What they did was phenomenal.

“I’m delighted with a point and over-whelmed with the performance.

“They are great lads and I just hope this club and the supporters here appreciate what they’ve got for what we pay.”

On the red card, he went on: “We’ve been the victim of a terrible injustice from an official that is normally top notch.

“He has made a mistake. We all make mistakes and when players make mistakes they get dropped.

“Unfortunately, it doesn’t work with officials and he’s made a rick, I’m sure he knows he has.

“I’m disappointed with the ref because he’s normally really good but we all have bad days.

“He was put under a lot of pressure right in front of their box and there’s no way Nathan Walker should have been sent off for that tackle, absolutely no way on this Earth.”

Dorchester’s resolve was even more impressive given that Clough was banned, Ben Watson was kept out by injury and Kieffer Moore had to be replaced at the break because of his on-going thigh problem.

After the match, Simkin confirmed he was close to bringing in a striker on loan for tomorrow’s home clash with Farnborough (7.45pm) and paid tribute to Pugh and Josh Tennant, the youngster who made his debut when coming on for Moore on Saturday.