DORCHESTER Town player-manager Mark Jermyn said his side “needed” their first victory of the season after they beat Banbury United 2-1.

An own goal from Jack Westbrook and a header from Chris Dillon helped the Magpies to their first three points and now the boss feels his side can only grow.

Speaking to Echosport after the game, Jermyn said: “We needed it. We had to adapt the way we played and I felt it worked. I was disappointed with the goal that we conceded.

“We felt comfortable throughout the game and we frustrated them, they ran out of ideas.

“The positive is that we got the three points and we can build on that.”

Dorchester’s young squad have needed time to adjust to the demands of the leagues, and Jermyn feels they’re improving all the time.

He explained: “It gives us such a confidence boost. We have some great players at this football club and they are enjoying themselves.

“The win shows that we can be competitive and we have that belief.”

Defensively, the county town side were compact and organised throughout the clash and Jermyn marshalled the defence well, but it was his captain, Jake Smeeton, that he reserved praise for.

Jermyn added: “He’s embraced his midfield role since moving from left back and he works tirelessly for the team.”

The only cause for concern from the game was the injury of Tony Lee, who had to be stretchered off after coming off worse in a 50-50 challenge. But the manager stressed that the striker’s condition is better than first feared.

It has been a eventful week for the player-manager, not only having to deal with running the side, but his wife gave birth to their second child, Hugo, nine days ago.

He gave his last word to Nick Crittenden and Stuart Heath, who have been unsung heroes at the Avenue. “I will be eternally grateful to them both,” Jermyn explained.

“They bring so much to the club and a lot of credit has to go to them. I can’t thank them enough.”