NATHAN Walker’s presence in the Magpies’ defence against Weymouth was hugely reassuring for the county town outfit, according to boss Mark Jermyn.

Gosport defender Walker made a successful return to the Avenue in Monday’s derby after signing dual registration forms a day earlier.

The former Dorchester captain is set for his second appearance back in the club’s famous black and white strip tomorrow when Jermyn’s troops travel to Cambridge City (3pm).

And speaking about the impact Walker had on the team during the defeat of the Terras, Jermyn said: “I thought he was immense and played really well, and he takes a lot of pressure of us when the ball is in the air.

“That’s no slight on our defence because they played really well, but it just gives you that extra reassurance.

“We felt assured when free-kicks and corners were coming in.”

He added: “He’s one of those people you hate to love.

“Nathan is somebody that, if we’re honest, we didn’t really want to leave, but at the same time we couldn’t offer him what Gosport offered him and we couldn’t offer Conference South football.”

Jermyn also extended his thanks to Gosport for making the current arrangement happen at such short notice.

Meanwhile, Dorchester face a side in Cambridge who have won four of their first seven Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division matches, including a 1-0 win over Weymouth on the opening day.

*This weekend's prices for the Weymouth and Dorchester games.

WEYMOUTH V HISTON

Weymouth 1/2

Draw 3/1

Histon 4/1

CAMBRIDGE CITY V DORCHESTER TOWN

Cambridge City eve

Draw 13/5

Dorchester 2/1

SPECIALS

Weymouth to win match and both teams to score 5/2

Dorchester to win match and both teams to score 11/2

TO WIN THE LEAGUE

Weymouth 14/1

Dorchester 33/1

Jem Racing refund all losing first goalscorer and correct score bets in any game that ends 0-0.

These prices are available in their betting lounge in St. Thomas Street, Weymouth or by telephone on 01202 733003.