16th November 2011

DORCHESTER FOOTBALL: Simkin: ‘No limit to what Magpies can achieve’

DESPITE slightly below par performance in recent results, Dorchester Town caretaker manager Phil Simkin was upbeat after his side had gained a valuable 1-0 victory of lowly Hampton & Richmond Borough on Saturday courtesy of a last minute scrambled goal from Kyle Critchell.

“I don’t think there is a limit as to what these lads can do - they are getting more and more confident because on a day when there were times when we didn’t play well, we’ve dug in and got a result; that’s what good teams do.”

He added “The game was exactly as I thought it would be. They have bought a few players in, and are on the up having beaten Eastbourne Borough last week, and they were up for it.

“It was a different type of game for us because it was one we were expected to win purely because of our positions but anyone that knows this league or football knows that there’s such little difference between the teams; its marginal most of the time; and to be fair to them and their manager they try to play.

“I thought that at times both sides produced some really good passages of play.

“I was impressed with them and the way they played and I’m sure if they carry on like that with a bit more luck they might get themselves out of it.”

With Hampton making a concerted effort to win the game in the final quarter of the match Simkin resisted the temptation to throw on fresh legs.

“They were desperate for three points, and we had to dig in and defend which we showed we could, and the hardest decision I have had to make for a long time is not to make any substitution. I really didn’t feel that at that time that was the right thing to do.

“Had we not scored that winning goal I would have probably been slated for it, as it is it proved to be the right decision and that’s how marginal football can be sometimes, but I think we deserved to win the game overall.

“I sympathise with the lads that are not getting a lot of football at the moment but the particular group of players on the pitch have performed consistently and that’s what it’s all about.

Whilst extolling the skills of the younger players in the team, Simkin was quick to praise the more experienced ones.

“Critts (Nick Crittenden) has been phenomenal although he has done more than any of us has, or is likely to do in the game, he’s a top professional and I can’t speak highly enough of him” said Simkin.

“Jem (Mark Jermyn) coming back has made a massive difference

“He’s an organiser, a winner and well respected and has been a massive help to me since we’ve started doing this; they don’t come any better; and Ashley Nicholls is getting better and better whilst Glees (Jamie Gleeson) will play through anything.

“The senior players have been different class and as good as the young lads may be they need the older heads in there and having a settled side has also proved an advantage.

“I know the players are under pressure to do well for me, but I think we have found a style of playing that suit us and with the confidence building there’s more to come I am convinced.”

On his chances of managing the club on a permanent basis he added: “Recent results will not have done my cause any harm, but I cannot really comment on anything else because I simply do not know any more.

“In the meantime I will just continue to get on with what I have been asked to do until I hear otherwise.”