ON-LOAN Southampton forward Mark Irvine has come in for praise from Dorchester manager Mark Jermyn following his impact as a substitute against Corby.

Despite starting the match on the bench, Irvine was told by Jermyn beforehand that he would definitely get some game time – and he took his chance with gusto.

Irvine scored his first goal in a Magpies’ shirt after coming on to replace Ben Watson during the second half of the 2-2 draw at Steel Park.

Commenting on the Saints man, who joined Dorchester on an initial month-long loan in early March, Jermyn said: “We haven’t been able to get him involved as much as we thought we would.

“I assured him before Saturday that he would come on and get some game time, regardless of how the match was going.

“He took his opportunity by scoring the first goal and setting up the second.

“His qualities shone through and he showed us what he is capable of.”

Reflecting further on the draw with Corby, Jermyn added: “There are things we need to address, like how both of Corby’s goals came about.

“They were a bit soft from our point of view and it’s unfortunate really because the defence did well on the whole.”

  • Dorchester’s reserves travel to Sholing tonight in the quarter-finals of the John Stimpson Shield (7.45pm). The winners will play Verwood in the last four.