Brooks is backing Magpies to build

9:15am Monday 11th August 2008

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DORCHESTER Town manager Shaun Brooks was delighted to see his side get off to a winning start at Braintree but is keen to see his men build on Saturday's 1-0 victory.

The Magpies won the game late on at Cressing Road with Nick Crittenden scoring in the 80th minute on his competitive debut.

The three points leave Dorchester eighth in the Blue Square South table, and Brooks believes his troops deserved their opening day success.

He said: "It's a good start and it was a happy coach journey home. We nullified a strong outfit who have finished in the play-offs for the last two seasons.

"I don't remember them creating any clear-cut chances. They had a few corners but we defended fantastically well.

"We looked stronger as the game went on and we looked the more likely to win so it was a thoroughly deserved victory."

Crittenden's goal was set-up by fellow new boy Leon Osei who came on in the first half following an injury to pre-season star Ivan Forbes.

Brooks added: "Ivan started the game but came off after about 30 minutes. He took a whack to his knee, which looked quite bad at the time, but it has settled down a bit and we'll assess him today."

The Magpies now look forward to their first home clash of the campaign tomorrow night when they entertain Basingstoke Town.

Brooks said: "Braintree's a tough place to come but we spoke beforehand about being disciplined and resilient. We've now got a wonderful opportunity, with two home games coming up, to capitalise on this result.

"We want to enjoy this victory, especially after losing a lot of games last year, but we will make sure we get our feet back on the ground and approach the Basingstoke game in the right manner.

"I think we're an unknown quantity this year. People will look at us and see that we've got more quality and experience and this result could be a statement of intent, but we have to build on it."

The county town boss was also impressed with debutant keeper Gareth Stewart and newly named team captain Roy O'Brien.

Brooks said: "Gareth was outstanding. He was very assured and, along with the back four there was a real calmness in defence.

"But we defended from the front and everyone put a real shift of work in, which is needed to win any game.

"Roy was absolutely magnificent, he has carried on his pre-season form and looks in great shape. He's playing as well as I've seen him.

"Overall it was a good afternoon's work but we need to build on it."