MAGPIES’ boss Phil Simkin may not have got the win he was hoping for yesterday, but he was still proud of the way his players performed in front of their fans at home for the final time this season.

The Dorchester Town chief, pictured, whose relegated side drew 1-1 with Gosport Borough in their penultimate fixture of the campaign, actually felt the hosts were worthy of the three points.

In the end they had to settle for one, with Elliott Chamberlain’s first goal for the club helping to secure a draw against the visitors from Hampshire.

“I said to the lads before the game that no matter what has happened this season, they had the chance to show the home supporters what they could do,” he said.

“I thought they did that and Gosport couldn’t handle our shape, they didn’t know what to do.

“It was a good performance from us and I thought we deserved to win the game.

“They showed what they are capable of and I’m pleased that we didn’t get beaten in our last Conference South game at home.

“It left me thinking that if we could have played like that all season we may not be on our way down.”

He went on to add: “Elliott got his goal and I thought he played exceptionally well.

“Alan Walker-Harris was outstanding again and took some great crosses.

“And, again, I thought Nathan Walker was massive and he has always done well for me.”

After the match, keeper Walker-Harris was named the club’s player of the year, Dorset Echo player of the year and on-line player of the year, while Jake Smeeton was crowned the players’ player of the year.

  • Meanwhile, Heritage of Dorchester was yesterday unveiled as the club’s new shirt sponsors for next season.

Peter Jones, after-sales manager with Heritage of Dorchester, said: “We wish Dorchester Town Football Club all the best for the 2014/15 season knowing that we will be there, standing by their side in partnership.”