DORCHESTER Town boss Mark Jermyn was happy to see his side improve after the 7-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion Under-21s on Wednesday with a 1-0 victory over Portsmouth Development Squad at the Avenue.

David Jerrard, a trialist at the club and a former member of the Magpies’ reserve side, scored the only goal of the game in the 41st minute with a precise finish from just inside the box.

It was a friendly against a young side that the hosts bossed throughout, but they did have to call upon Shane Murphy – in the first half – and Jordan Mullis – in the second half – to make some good saves and keep the clean sheet intact.

Jermyn played 60 minutes at right-back in the win and felt his players stepped up from the loss in midweek.

He said: “We gave a very good account of ourselves.

“It was great to see David Jerrard back and we were happy with him.

“He adds something different.

“We have a lot of defensively-minded midfielders in the team so it’s good have to have an attacker.

“Before the game I said we need a midfielder who can score, so he’s already proven his point.

“Also it was great to see Mario (Mateus) back on the field. All in all it was a pleasing performance.”

Mateus was back in the fold after time away in Portugal and brought a spark to the side in the second half.

His boss, Jermyn, knows there is still work to do as his side get set for their most competitive week of pre-season with games against Wimborne Town and Poole Town.

“We’re starting to get to know who we want in our first team and we have a tough start to the season.

“Kettering at home on the first day, it doesn’t get tougher than that.

“So, we need to make sure everyone knows their roles.”

Jermyn also tried out the centre-forward partnership of trialist Liam Sayers, a former loanee at the club, and Nathan Walker, which proved effective as Sayers provided the assist to Jerrard’s goal.

Speaking about Sayers, the manager said: “He looked sharp and created a few opportunities.

“I would’ve liked to have seen him hit the target.

“Aldo (Lopes) and Sol Ayunga came on in the second half and Sol looks fitter and stronger so there is plenty of positives.

“Nick Swann is such a tidy player and he has made a big step up.

“There is a player there but he has to keep on being consistent.”

Up next for the Magpies is a visit to the Cuthbury to face Dorset’s other Magpies, Wimborne Town (7.45pm) on Tuesday where they will take on former players Luke and Toby Holmes.