NATHAN Walker, Sam Lanahan and Ryan Murray did on Saturday exactly what their manager wants his substitutes to do – take the opportunity to be a game-changer when they get the chance.

All three made an impact after coming off the bench during the Magpies’ defeat of Hitchin, with Lanahan, pictured, scoring the winner in the closing stages.

Speaking before the game, Dorchester boss Graham Kemp expressed his wish for those not selected in the matchday starting XI to be ready to impress if called on.

An injury to Ben Joyce saw Lanahan get his opportunity just nine minutes into the Avenue encounter, while Walker and Mur-ray replaced Charlie Davis and Josh Kaye at the start of the second half – the Magpies went on to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 triumph.

“I didn’t like making three substitutions before the second half started, but things weren’t right and I’ve got a squad that means I don’t have to sit around and clutch at straws,” said Kemp.

“The lads know that we’ve got 17 or 18 people that can perform and, if a couple aren’t doing it, then it’s my job to make changes to try and get the result.

“Sam came on and got the winner, and I said before the game that you have to make a difference if you come on, you can’t sulk if you’re on the bench.

“Nathan and Ryan came on and did well, and to me football is about the squad, it’s not so much about the team.

“Nathan won his headers and his tackles, and that’s the best 45 minutes I’ve seen from him since I’ve been at the club.

“Ryan has bided his time and he certainly gives us a different option going forward.”

Kemp felt the first of Hitchin’s two red cards gave the hosts a boost they needed after a largely disappointing opening 45 minutes.

“We huffed and puffed, gave the penalty away and hit the crossbar, and the body language wasn’t great again,” he added.

“The two wide men for them got the better of our full-backs and I had to make changes at half-time which maybe shook a bit of life into them.

“Hitchin looked quite comfortable until the sending off at the start of the second half, but I felt we just needed something to go our way and I’m hoping that was it.”

Kemp said Joyce (hamstring) was taken off as a precautionary measure and hoped his injury wasn’t going to be a long-term problem.

* The Magpies will play Wimborne Town at home in in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy on Saturday, November 1.