LEWIS Waterfield won praise for his defensive capabilities amid Dorchester Town’s injury headache at right wing-back.

Harvey-Joe Bertrand, Jake Graziano and Jordi Foot all missed the 3-2 loss at Merthyr Town with injury, illness and unavailability respectively.

It meant Waterfield, who fulfilled a similar role under boss Glenn Howes at AFC Totton and Blackfield & Langley, was drafted into the back line as cover.

Despite being fourth choice in that position, Howes had no qualms about throwing the midfielder in at the deep end.

He told Echosport: “Lewis has played in that position before for us, so it’s not completely alien.

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“He gave a really good account of himself. You always know what you’re going to get from Lewis, and that’s 100 per cent.

“There’s no dragging of his heels in a position he’s playing. He’s done very well and can be very proud of his performance, as everybody can be.”