SOME days in football you don't get what you deserve. Dorchester manager Mark Morris said Saturday was most definitely one of them.
The Dr Martens Premier Division new boys were just seconds away from earning a terrific goal-less draw away to top of the table Worcester City when the title hopefuls snatched the winner.
"We were absolutely gutted," admitted Morris. "We went there with a game plan which we had worked on in training last week and the lads stuck to it so well that if we had come away winning 1-0 they couldn't really have complained.
"Then they get a late corner, we have a couple of chances to head if clear it but don't and their lad's on the far post to put a big old looping header over Mark Ormerod's head."
With skipper Andy Harris at his brother's wedding, Morris brought in Mike White and Simon Radcliffe for their first starts this term and switched to five across the back, two in midfield and gave Justin Keeler, Matt Tubbs and Matt Hann attacking responsibilities with Martin Shepherd dropped to the bench.
"Like the rest of the side, the two lads who came in did magnificently," said Morris. "It wasn't easy for them coming in for their first games of the season especially when it is away at a place like Worcester, but that is what having a strong squad is all about.
"We defended well, played some decent football which brought us four or five good chances and, to be honest, I would probably have been a bit disappointed had it stayed 0-0 because Justin Keeler hit their bar and Matt Tubbs should have scored a couple of minutes before their goal.
"He was in front of goal when Matt Hann's cross came over but it was slightly too high for him and in trying to keep it down he's missed it. Unfortunately Keeler was running in behind him at the far post and would have had a certain goal. So you can imagine how it felt when they scored a few seconds later."
But Morris said his side would take heart from their display.
"We have shown that we can come away to one of the best sides in the league and match them," said Morris.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article