MAGPIES’ player-manager Mark Jermyn hailed the efforts of goalkeeper Shane Murphy after making the decision to bring him into the starting XI against Stratford Town on Saturday.

The county town keeper made his first league start of the campaign replacing Alan Walker- Harris in the 3-1 victory, with the hosts’ goals coming through Nathan Walker, Charlie Davis and Ben Watson.

And while Dorchester conceded their first league goal at home, Avenue chief Jermyn was delighted by his young goalkeeper’s overall display.

Asked about making the decision to switch glovemen, he told Echosport: “We feel that Shane has been waiting for his opportunity and, given that we have conceded a couple of goals recently, we felt that Saturday would be good for him to get some game time and he played well.

“I think he has earned himself another go tomorrow night, we are going to give him some game time now and give him a run, which we have done with Alan.

“Shane stepped in and I have asked the players to believe in what I tell them and he has stood by me.

“He has had a couple of clubs that have come in for him and he has turned them down, now he will get his reward.

“He just needs to make sure that he plays well to stay in the team, it’s as simple as that.”

Speaking about which of his keepers he sees as the number one, Jermyn added: “I am very fortunate. I don’t think there are many other clubs around that can say have two very good goalkeepers.

“I spoke to them both at the start of the season and said that, as far as I’m concerned, there isn’t a number one in my opinion.

“They are both fighting for that shirt so hopefully both of them think they are better than one another and that will create the competition between the two of them.”

The Magpies’ manager also gave his views on his side’s victory, which ensured they remained unbeaten at home in the league this season.

“They (Stratford) were a good outfit but I felt, over the 90 minutes, we were the superior side and I am very happy with the win,” Jermyn said.

“In my opinion we should have won every game at home this season.

“Some weeks the players amaze me with what they do and I am very much learning about them. On Saturday I took myself out and stood on the sideline and it’s a pleasure to watch sometimes.

“We are not a team that plays for corners or setpieces. We play to play and have good movement.”