DORCHESTER boss Mark Morris wasn't letting on exactly what he said to his lack-lustre side at half-time in last night's Dr Martens Cup tie against Bashley at the Avenue Stadium - but it was certainly effective.
Second best to the eager New Forest men throughout the first-half, the Magpies responded to a Morris blast by over-turning a two-goal deficit to storm through to the next round with Danny O'Hagan smashing the winner in the second period of extra-time.
"We deserved to be two-nil down because we didn't put in anything like the work we should have," commented Morris. "Going into it I was worried we might take it too lightly and I warned the team that we are not a good enough side to coast through against anyone, but that is what we thought we could do.
"In the first-half it seemed like we thought all we had to do was turn up and it brought back some bad memories of Bournemouth Poppies. Bashley were prepared to run and challenge and we were second best in most areas. They looked like they wanted to win a lot more than us and deserved to be in front.
"Fortunately after a few words at the break we switched on and went back to playing the way that has served us well this season.
"In the end we were well on top and must have had five or six good chances in extra time. But scoring four for the second game running can't be bad and if we have learned that we must go out every week and give it our maximum effort then it will have been a valuable lesson."
Magpies Justin Keeler again gave an awesome display of his shooting power and picked up his second consecutive star player award from the match sponsors.
He blasted in one free-kick from 30 yards and adding a second with a fierce drive from outside the area.
"He's got dynamite in his boots," said Morris. "It's great to have someone with the ability to produce goals like that from free-kicks."
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