DORCHESTER Town goalkeeper Shane Murphy may be about to help save lives amid the coronavirus crisis.

Magpies’ keeper Murphy, who on Sunday turned 27, works for DP Seals in Poole – the company is on standby to help meet urgent demand for ventilators.

Up to 30,000 of the potentially life-saving machines could be required at the peak of the pandemic; the NHS currently has just 8,175.

Murphy, who has played 31 times for Dorchester this season, making 107 appearances in his Magpies career, said his employers are keen to help meet demand for ventilators.

He told Echosport: “We manufacture rubber seals and we supply to the aerospace and medical side of things.

“We’ve stepped forward to make components for ventilators for the Government.

“We’re on standby for that and waiting for some feedback.

“We’re making ourselves aware to everyone that if they do require our services to make any components, we’re more than happy to do so and make that a priority.

“For anyone that’s interested, just reach out to us – we’re more than happy to help.”

Dorchester, who were 11 points adrift of safety at the bottom of the BetVictor Southern Premier South, were given a lifeline by the FA’s decision to void the league, cancelling promotion and relegation.

Amid the Magpies’ battle to avoid the drop, Murphy was credited by centre-half Jamie Laird for making numerous outstanding saves – often in losing situations.

Commenting on the support of his teammates, Murphy said: “It makes me feel very pleased that my teammates have given me backing for this season.

“It hasn’t exactly gone to plan from what was considered to be a very promising season. As a collective, for many reasons, that’s not happened.

“But it’s great to know I’ve got their backing.

“There was a statement that the league is going to be closed off. It’s obviously a bit of a disappointment.

“Whether you’re a fan, volunteer, member of staff, a player or a manager, none of us want football to end.

“People’s health is more important and comes first. It was the right thing to do, in my opinion.”

Rating his own season, he added: “I can only go from a collective. Our season’s not gone exactly to plan.

“We’ve conceded too many goals, not just one-off games but consistently.

“That’s not something I want to be involved in in the long run. Myself and the rest of the players have been doing as much as we can to resolve the issue.

“Leigh (Robinson, manager) and Robbie (Herrera, coach) have come in and brought some structure to the club.

“Results haven’t gone massively our way since they’ve been here. Anyone who’s come to games can see an improvement in our defensive abilities.

“We got the win against Wimborne and the clean sheet, which we really needed defensively.”