Simkin: Magpies are on the right road (From Dorset Echo)

Simkin: Magpies are on the right road

9:07am Thursday 28th January 2010

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COACH Phil Simkin believes the Magpies can take plenty of heart from their last two performances, despite failing to win either game.

Dorchester’s resolve has been severely tested in their last two outings with the county town side fighting back from two goals down against Staines, and then a 1-0 deficit to Lewes, to claim two precious points in the race for Blue Square South survival.

The Magpies continue to hover just three points clear of danger but Simkin, who returned to the dugout last month to assist caretaker-manager Ashley Vickers, is happy with the players’ efforts.

Reflecting on Tuesday night’s stalemate with fellow strugglers Lewes, the former Hamworthy United boss said: “We’re all disappointed because we created a lot of chances but didn’t take them. Lewes had one chance but they took theirs.

“Had we been in that situation a little while ago we might not have come back. I thought the work-rate was absolutely tremendous and I’m sure the fans can appreciate the effort the lads put in, but it just looked, until Nick Crittenden scored, that it might not drop for us.

“We put lots of balls in the box, had plenty of possession and we dominated the game really, but we just can’t seem to get that victory or put any distance between ourselves and the other sides.

“Having said that we’re now unbeaten in two games and you’d be surprised how much confidence that can breed. We’ve shown a lot of character in the last two games and there’s no reason why we can’t go to Weston and get a result on Saturday.”

Simkin also defended the decision to refrain from making any changes during the midweek draw.

He added: “I can understand the fans were disappointed we didn’t win on Tuesday night and we didn’t make any substitutes but we were so on top and it just looked like it was a matter of time before we scored again. So it was a case of if it’s not broke don’t mend it.”

Simkin has prowled the touchline while Vickers continues his role at the heart of the Dorchester defence.

And Simkin believes the 37-year-old is revelling in the added responsibility as manager.

He said: “I’ve been in football for a long, long time – I’ve even got a son who’s only two years younger than Ash – and I feel he’s doing a tremendous job.”

Meanwhile, Vickers has confirmed that defender Ollie Barnes’ loan spell at Clevedon Town will be extended by a further month, while Harry Montacute, currently on loan at Gillingham Town, is also set for a prolonged stay.

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