MAGPIES’ assistant-manager Nick Crittenden admitted it was a “50-50 call” on which goalkeeping option to select against Cirencester Town last night, but was happy with the way Shane Murphy stepped up to the plate.

County town keeper Murphy revealed to Echosport earlier this week that he was “raring to go” if needed following a spell at Wimborne Town and he was given his chance immediately, replacing Alan Walker-Harris between the sticks in the 1-1 draw at the Avenue.

Following the hard-fought draw, Crittenden told Echosport: “Shane going out on loan to Wimborne was not in any way us wanting him out of the club, it was a case of ‘go out there, get games, we want you back and we want to keep you fresh’.

“Alan, who has done well for us, was unfortunate to sit out. We spoke to him before the game.

“It was a relatively 50-50 call but we also said to Shane that as soon as we could give him a chance we would give him a chance. That came, and I thought he did really well.

“I thought his kicking was really good and he did what we wanted him to do. We can’t fault Shane at all.”

On the game as a whole, Crittenden added: “I was very happy with the way the boys played, we can’t fault their effort in difficult conditions.

“I think we at least deserved a point and another day we might have had three.

“I thought Frankie (Clarke) was outstanding in midfield and Charlie (Davis) worked hard. Nathan (Walker) was a big presence up front again and was unlucky not to score. There are plenty of positives to be taken.

“If the boys put that much effort in every week we will keep climbing the league I’m sure.”