ARRAN Pugh might be free to play for the Magpies again after suspension but Steve Walker is hoping he has done enough to hold on to his first-team place following a dream debut against Farnborough.

The 22-year-old scored and helped his side keep a clean sheet in Tuesday’s 2-0 triumph at the Avenue and the centre back is aiming for more of the same between now and the end of the season.

Walker was given his Dorchester debut by boss Phil Simkin with Pugh, Charlie Clough and his own brother Nathan all banned.

And from how things went in midweek, it appears that Walker Jnr has given Simkin every reason to keep him in the starting line-up for tomorrow’s home game with Staines Town (3pm).

“I was very happy to get my chance and to score a goal for the club on my debut was an honour,” said Walker. “It was a very proud night for me and my family.

“I was a bit gutted when last Saturday’s game was called off and I was worried I wouldn’t get the chance again.

“But I did and I felt I had to prove I was worth it and hopefully I can keep the shirt now.

“I hope I’ve done enough to do that for tomorrow but you never know what’s going to happen.

“I thought I did alright against Farnborough considering I haven’t had a lot of playing time as I’ve been sat on the bench.

“I gave my best but I feel I’ve got a lot more to give and given more chances I can progress further.

“It was amazing to score on my debut and with my family watching too.

“The ball came in and it hit me on the side of the head, almost on the jaw, and I wanted to celebrate but I was so shocked it had gone in I froze and didn’t know what to do.

“I scored on my debut for Hamworthy as well and the same thing happened there, I just froze a bit.

“Nathan has got four or five goals this season and I’d like to overtake him to rub it in a bit.”

Walker eventually got his chance after originally missing out on first-team action at Weymouth and then going on-loan to Hamworthy having moved to Dorchester under the guidance of reserves manager Dave Kiteley.

Kiteley, along with Walker’s brothers Nathan and Michael, played a big part on the way to his Blue Square Bet South bow this week.

“My brothers have taught me a lot and I’m very grateful for that,” he added. “Everyone at the club has been brilliant to me and just to play for Dorchester was amazing.

“Dave Kiteley has been a great help and he advised me to go and play in the Wessex League, which I did, and I’ve come back a better player for it.

“My aim now is to fight for the shirt and if I did get the chance to play alongside my brother it would be an honour.”

Ashley Nicholls missed the Farnborough win with flu and is out tomorrow and probably Monday’s trip to Eastleigh too.

Keeper Jason Matthews (thigh) is hopeful of returning but Simkin says he wouldn’t hesitate calling Alan Walker-Harris to provide cover again if needed.

Magpies (from): Matthews, Bell, Smeeton, Jermyn, S Walker, Pugh, Crittenden, Morgan, Malsom, Gleeson, Watson, Nichols, Moore, Martin, Brooks, Way, Floyd