DORCHESTER Town boss Callum Brooks admitted centre-back Callum Rose was the stand-out performer during the Magpies’ 0-0 draw with Hendon on Saturday.

Rose marshalled the defence superbly, winning countless aerial duels, to help bag a first clean sheet under Brooks’ management and edge the Magpies closer to Evo-Stik Southern Premier South safety.

However, Brooks insisted it would be “unfair” to single out Rose, elaborating on the defensive and midfield units’ key roles in ensuring Hendon drew a blank.

He told Echosport: “I thought Callum was absolutely outstanding, he had a real aggression in the way he went in and won high balls that were going in to front men.

“He was stepping in front aggressively, stepping across and winning balls and that set a tempo for the rest of the team.

“But to single him out is probably a little unfair.

“The back four was outstanding and then it filters through the team. The midfield’s job was to pick up the second balls, so it was a very good collective performance.”

With Dorchester’s focus on defence, Brooks was prepared to sacrifice the Magpies’ attacking play despite 20-goal striker Ben Seymour aiming four efforts at goal.

He said: “I felt (Seymour) had a good chance in the first half, I thought he did well to bring it down and get himself set.

“I thought the keeper did well because he shut the angle down quick, but it certainly wasn’t a sitter. The most we had was half-chances.

“Rather than opening up and trying to chase the game, I was aware we’re ahead of Hendon in the league, I was aware they’d have to commit some bodies and I was aware how important a point could be.

“So the quality of the performance offensively was almost secondary. I said to the lads ‘I’m not fussed how ugly it is.’

“There will be times to talk about philosophies and implementing offensive ways of playing football, but right now it’s a points business at this stage of the season with the situation we’re in.”