DORCHESTER Town manager Callum Brooks picked up the first point of his tenure with a 2-2 draw against 10-man Farnborough, but what were the main talking points?

A POINT GAINED, BUT DON’T BE FOOLED

ALL the talk of Dorchester’s point being a “crucial” one by new boss Callum Brooks did have its merits.

A new manager will always take time to get his ideas across and the Magpies responded well for the majority of the game.

However, when Boro centre-back Rob Bartley was sent off, Dorchester had a whopping 38 minutes to turn one point into three. At the end of the season, might they reflect on that situation as two points missed out on, rather than a point gained?

YOUNGSTERS STRIKE

NEEDING goals of late having found the net in just two of their past eight matches, two of Dorchester’s highest scorers stepped up to the mark at Farnborough.

Ben Seymour continued his excellent form this season with his 17th goal for the Magpies, while Tom Blair notched his eighth goal of the campaign.

Brooks will be hoping for more of the same tomorrow at Merthyr from the talented duo.

KEATS DROPPED

WHEN new managers come in there is always posturing, usually focusing on signings of their predecessor.

At the highest level, Jose Mourinho would be quick to tell his newly-inherited players who’s boss.

At seventh-tier Dorchester, could the benching of Noah Keats be Callum Brooks’ way of doing the same?

Keats was signed by ex-boss Steve Thompson a couple of weeks ago and has made little impression, despite showing good technique.

However, Keats was left out in favour of the energy of Luke Winsper, who also has seven goals this season, while Harry Kite and Billy Lowes were also preferred to the Truro City loanee.

Only time will tell if Keats remains in Brooks’ plans or whether he will sit the rest of his one-month stay out on the bench.

IMPROVED DISPLAY

DORCHESTER’S performances had been on the wane in the final outings of Thompson’s time at the Clayson Stadium, but under Brooks the Magpies looked rejuvenated.

Chances were created, and taken, while the all-action characteristics displayed by the midfield, led by captain Billy Lowes, signalled Dorchester are well up for the fight to remain in the division, despite a retention of their place in the drop zone.

BOSS BROOKS

WITH Brooks taking charge of a Dorchester match for the first time, Magpies fans will have been keeping a keen eye on their new gaffer.

Brooks has built a strong reputation at ninth-tier Hamworthy and additionally is renowned for his excellent man-management.

Brooks is an enthusiastic, energetic manager who is ready to get stuck in and help the club survive this season. Should he succeed, spectators will get to see his “philosophy” next season.

It’s clear that Brooks values hard workers and leadership, with the signing of Magpies favourite Nathan Walker on dual terms from old club Hamworthy a key indication that Brooks is arming his squad for a relegation fight.

Picking up a point in his first game, especially at a side that handed Dorchester a 6-0 thrashing earlier in the season, provides Brooks with momentum to build upon as his reign continues.