WIMBORNE Town assistant manager Darren Powell highlighted the fine performance of Nathan Walker as Magpies earned a point on the Isle of Wight.

Walker, playing alongside older brother Michael in the Wimborne defence, produced a commanding display as his team secured a goalless draw at Newport.

It was a solid start to the Wessex Premier campaign for Alex Browne’s team, with the men from Cuthbury expected to challenge more seriously for honours this term.

And Nathan Walker has an important role to play, according to Browne’s number two.

“I would have to say he was the stand-out player on the pitch,” said Powell.

Asked how ex-Hamworthy United captain Walker ranked among the division’s centre-halves, Powell replied: “There’s not many above him and we’re happy to have him here.

“He’s got the ability to play at a higher level, but we’re happy he’s with us.

“If he keeps playing like he did on Saturday, we’ll be more than happy.”

Describing the match at Newport, Powell added: “There were no penalty decisions and no one hit the woodwork – it was one of those games that had 0-0 written all over it from an early stage.”

New signing Tom Clarke made his competitive debut for the club, replacing former Cherries frontman Dave Town in the second half.

Wimborne Town: Walker-Harris, Wilson, N Walker, Roast, M Walker, Dixon (Lockyer, 70), Green, Stokoe, James, Joyce, Town (Clarke, 65).