Positive Brooks praises Magpies

9:09am Monday 18th August 2008

Comments (1)   Have your say »

DORCHESTER Town manager Shaun Brooks was keen to take the positives out of Saturday's 1-1 draw with St Albans City following a "difficult week for the club".

Over the last seven days the Magpies have learned that Ivan Forbes will be out for the remainder of the season and that Roy O'Brien, initially thought to be out for up to a month, will now be absent for as much as three months.

But the county town side put that behind them and came from a goal down to earn a point, courtesy of Jamie Mudge's leveller, against the Saints at the Jewson Stadium - keeping their unbeaten start to the season intact.

Speaking after the match, Brooks said: "I think we had the better chances and there's not a lot wrong with our game. Over the last two games we've had enough chances and I would have been disappointed had we been beaten today.

"It's been a difficult week for the club with the injuries we've had but it's been a solid start with just one goal conceded.

"We've got five points although I would've liked more, but with an average age of 19 across the back four today there's a lot of positives.

"I think we just shaded in on chances so I'm a little bit disappointed but not too downbeat.

"We are going to miss someone of Roy's experience and ability but the defence got the grips with it. There's not a lot missing, we just need to be a little more clinical with our finishing.

"To come away with a point, create the chances we did and respond so quickly after going behind we need to take the positives."

Brooks, whose side now sit tenth in the table, had another injury scare on Saturday when Nathan Peprah-Annan came off just before half-time.

He added: "Nathan's shoulder popped out and we've now had it put back in. He's a little sore and we'll have a look at him in the week."

Of O'Brien's setback, Brooks said: "Roy got called back in on Friday. He's got a crack in his ankle and will be out for the best part of three months.

"Ivan and Roy were two of our most influential players in pre-season and were both in great form, as good as I've seen them play, so it's a blow."

Both Danny Clay and Nick Crittenden had excellent games for Dorchester and duly received praise from their manager.

Brooks added: "Danny was tremendous, he broke up lots of play and showed a great range of passing.

"He was outstanding and Critts was the same, they both showed the quality they've got."