THE Magpies gave Alan Knight the perfect leaving present by claiming all three points at Eastleigh yesterday.

The ex-Portsmouth legend, who stepped down on Wednesday due to work commitments, watched the county town outfit produce a full-blooded display at the Silverlake Stadium, which was eventually rewarded in added-time thanks to Gary Elphick’s unfortunate own goal.

Phil Simkin, who is set to take over from Knight, told Echosport: “With Alan leaving, this result was just what we wanted and I was so pleased for him afterwards.

“We absolutely worked our socks off and to come away with the three points was just fantastic, particularly as we would have probably been happy with a point beforehand.

“The progress that has been made over the last six months has been extraordinary.

“When Mark Jermyn and I initially took over in October, we had a long chat with the lads and changed the style of play, and since then we have not looked back.

“Alan then came in and being a professional did not see the need to change much and we have just been building on things ever since.

“Had the season started in October we would comfortably be in the play-offs and the key now is to try and keep these players together for next season, which is something we will be working on over the next few weeks.”

Another man that made his last outing for the Magpies yesterday was Exeter City loanee Tom Nichols but unfortunately his afternoon ended prematurely due to injury.

Commenting on the young forward, who bagged nine goals in 12 appearances for Town, Simkin added: “Tom was desperate to get his 10th goal but unfortunately he took some serious treatment and had to come off midway through the first half.

Dorchester now sit eighth in Blue Square Bet South and will be out to stretch their winning streak to four games on Monday when they entertain Truro City (3pm).