Cup kings

8:54am Thursday 2nd October 2008

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SHAUN Brooks praised the character of his side after last night's FA Cup second qualifying round replay win at Newport County.

A Nick Crittenden brace handed Dorchester their first victory in 12 games and a place in the third qualifying round after the Magpies came from behind to beat the Exiles in their own back yard.

After losing a 2-0 lead at the Jewson Stadium on Saturday to set up last night's replay, the Magpies looked to have lost their chance of making the next round when Craig Reid put the hosts in front just before half-time.

But Crittenden levelled before finding the winner with eight minutes left on the clock to set up a home date with Gosport Borough of BGB Division One South & West on October 11.

And county town boss Brooks was delighted come the final whistle.

He said: "In most games this season we've had good first half displays but then faded later on but tonight we were much better in the second half, caused them problems and ran out deserved winners.

"We've got to make sure we use the result as a means of pushing on.

"It was a big performance from Critts and he put in a lot of good work down the right hand side. He scored two good quality goals.

"We didn't have much quality or calmness in the first half but to win after being a goal down at Newport in a FA Cup replay in front of 600 or so of their fans shows good character."

Brooks opted for a 4-5-1 formation last night in which Tom Mitchell earned a starting berth alongside Danny Clay as protection for the back four.

And the 21-year-old earned praise from his manager. Brooks added: "Tom played a holding role next to Danny and he played well. Tom gives us a calmness on the ball and he rarely gives it away, he was instrumental at times."

The Magpies can now look forward to the clash with Gosport Borough in nine days' time, but first they must negotiate a Blue Square fixture at Maidenhead United on Saturday.

Brooks said: "The FA Cup is a fantastic competition to be involved in. We'll have Gosport watched before we play them but if we play to our strengths then we've got enough to be able to get through. However, we're under no illusions as Gosport are a decent outfit."