NATHAN Walker has hailed the fighting spirit the Magpies showed during their FA Cup triumph at Yate.

Dorchester’s captain was a proud man after leading the county town side to victory following a difficult few days at the club.

The team dedicated their 2-1 win to the late Alex Legge, the Magpies’ former kitman who Walker described as “one of a kind”.

Speaking to Echosport about the effect the Yate tie had on the squad, Walker said: “It was nice to get a win in Graham’s first game but it was also good to win for Stuart Heath and the supporters.

“The players wanted to beat Yate for Alex and we dedicated the win to him.

“The lads were buzzing after the game because we really needed a win.

“It’s a great feeling when you win matches and we want to keep that feeling in the dressing room.

“We showed great character to come from 1-0 down against a very good team who caused us a few problems.

“After the game, Stuart read a message from Alex’s dad which was really nice to hear.”

The Magpies will now face Hellenic League Premier Division strugglers Abingdon United in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup a week on Saturday.

But Walker and his team-mates have a big league game against Hungerford Town between now and then.

That clash is going to be Graham Kemp’s first Southern Premier Division fixture as Magpies’ manager, and Walker says it is up to the players to make it a successful one for the new man.

“Graham came in last Thursday and had a chat with us in training,” added Walker.

“I’ve known Graham for a while and he has always done well in the Wessex League, but it’s a new challenge for him.

“He has told us what he wants and it’s down to us to get the results on the pitch.

“Football is a results game for managers at the end of the day and we are right behind our new manager.”

Looking back at the events of the last seven days, Walker continued: “The fans deserve credit for what they did for Alex during the Truro game.

“It brought a tear to my eye when they were singing his name, and I was joining in with them.

“Alex was one of a kind who did anything for anybody.

“He did all he could for the players and all Alex wanted from us was a win.

“He would be with us wherever we were playing – he was part of the team.”