SHAUN Brooks hailed the work-rate of his players as they fought from two goals down to hit back with three quick-fire strikes and knock Eastleigh out of the Setanta Shield last night.

The Avenue Stadium faithful have had little to cheer about over recent weeks and looked despondent when after 10 minutes their side was 2-0 behind.

But two sublime dead-ball efforts from Charlie Henry and a goal from striker Jones Awuah sent the crowd into raptures and handed the Magpies their first win since September 15.

Speaking after the game director of football Brooks said: "The lads have come in for some criticism over the last few weeks and rightly so, but tonight they should take all the plaudits because they have answered the criticism in the best way possible.

"We got caught out early on by two pieces of bad defending but the lads kept at it and responded well. They thoroughly deserve their win for the tremendous work-rate they put in.

"We have set a benchmark now and a standard of work that is needed to get results, perhaps the penny has finally dropped for them as to what is required to win games."

The Magpies' boss, whose position has been questioned by a number of fans, was delighted with the help of the 12th man last night.

Brooks added: "The fans all came to the dugout at the end of the match and clapped us off, it was very nice to see.

"The crowd want to see effort and shots at goal, and hopefully we have given them something to cheer about tonight. The support for us from behind the goal was fantastic."

Playing a 4-4-2 formation appeared to work wonders going forward as the usually lone frontman Jones Awuah was joined in attack by Ivan Forbes.

Brighton loanee Wes Fogden made his home debut while the other latest signing, Nathan Simpson, made his return to the Avenue after featuring in a friendly against Yeovil on July 31.

Brooks said: "We still need a bit more presence up front and over the next 10 days, without us having a game, I will be trying to bring someone in."

* Magpies' owner Eddie Mitchell has promised to refund all tickets and admission fees if the attendance reaches 1,000 at Dorchester's next home game with Bromley on Saturday, October 20.