GOALKEEPER Simon Evans has signed a contract with Dorchester which will keep him at the Avenue Stadium until the summer of 2008.

The 18-year-old shared the goalkeeping duties with on-loan Richard Martin earlier this season but has become the Magpies' first choice stopper following Martin's recall to parent club Brighton & Hove Albion last month.

Evans has belied his age to be one of the more consistent performers for the Magpies in a topsy-turvy season. He has put in some commanding performances as the Magpies' custodian, making 18 appearances.

Evans, pictured right, who joined the club in the summer of 2006, is learning from the very best. Alan Knight, who made 801 appearances for Portsmouth, earning the nickname the Legend', is the Magpies' goalkeeping coach.

Knight, who also coaches the goalkeepers at AFC Bournemouth, has invited Evans to train with the Cherries and Evans is reaping the rewards.

He has four clean sheets this term and Dorchester manager Mick Jenkins is delighted to have secured his services.

He said: "We are very pleased with his progress and delighted he has signed. We think that highly of him to give him a long-term deal."

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