DORCHESTER Town goalkeeping coach Steve Dodge praised debutant Lloyd Thomas for executing his key penalty save in the 0-0 draw at Hendon.

Dodge later revealed how Dorchester leave no stone unturned on opposition penalties in what is quickly becoming the Magpies’ best season for almost a decade.

Both sides had good chances to score in either half, Thomas making stops from Joe White and Liam Brooks, while Harvey Bradbury and Matty Neale were denied by Marcin Brzozowski at the other end.

However, the pivotal moment came when Jordan Ngalo was adjudged to have fouled Brooks in the box.

READ MORE: Hendon 0-0 Dorchester Town - match report

White stepped up to take but Poole’s Thomas, drafted in as a late replacement for recalled Aldershot loanee Ryan Hall, guessed correctly to set up a third-straight league clean sheet for the Magpies.

Dodge told Echosport: “Lloyd’s come in and a big thanks to Poole for helping us out, with Ryan’s situation. It was unfortunate, he’s gone back to cover illness in their first team.

“It’s allowed us to play Lloyd and he’s put in a solid performance. He’s kicked well, handled well and the penalty’s the icing on the cake.

“You can’t ask for more. He’s delighted he’s kept a clean sheet.”

Dorchester have now saved three spot-kicks this season and four in the calendar year.

Earlier in April, Jack Bycroft repelled a penalty in the crucial 3-0 home win against Hendon, while Harry Lee has twice denied Swindon Supermarine from 12 yards this season.

Dodge said: “We’ve researched, as always do – Harry saved penalties earlier in the season.

“We knew that White was probably going to take their penalties. He seems to favour hammering the ball harder to the keeper’s right.

“Lloyd’s made the save. It was a good save, a good height but he’s committed and got there with strong arms and pushed the ball wide. Luckily it’s paid off.”

Speaking more widely on Dorchester’s defensive effort, Dodge said: “Their keeper made a couple of good saves, we’ve had a few chances that on other days would’ve gone in.

“But our back line, it was bodies on the line. Throwing themselves at the ball, blocking and really determined defending.

“They’ve got what they deserved. It’s not just a goalkeeper that keeps a clean sheet, it starts from the front line but the back take the pride in it.

“We’ve signed some quality defenders over the summer. We’ve got some players like Tiago (Sa) and Harvey (Bertrand) who didn’t start.

“We have got a really strong, competitive back five. We’ve got that up our sleeve.”

Dorchester have no game on Saturday, returning to action in the league at Plymouth Parkway on Tuesday, November 22 (7.45pm).