DORCHESTER Town suffered late drama in the final match of their 2021/22 Pitching In Southern League Premier South campaign, conceding an extra-time equaliser away to Walton Casuals.

Safe in the knowledge that their league status would remain unchanged, regardless of results elsewhere, the Magpies held a slender 1-0 advantage until the dying embers of the game only to be undone by Gabriel Odunaike’s strike.

Dorchester were indebted to their goalkeeper, Jack Bycroft, for several key saves and could have secured the three points had Alfie Stanley converted his second half penalty.

The result meant Dorchester finished the season on 41 points, four clear of Kings Langley who occupied the final relegation spot.

However, the Hertfordshire based side were spared the drop due to their superior points per game record across step three of the non-league pyramid.

Magpies boss Glenn Howes made four changes from the starting eleven that began the Easter Monday defeat to Yate Town.

Into the team came George Calverley, Tom Purrington, Billy Lowes and Olaf Koszela.

While Josh Phillips, Tom Soares, Charlie Gunson and Yemi Odubade all dropped to the bench.

Walton, like Dorchester, hold home fixtures on an artificial surface and came into the game having lost just four times in front of their own supporters this season.

Nonetheless, Dorchester took the lead inside the first 13 minutes courtesy of a fourth goal of the season from Koszela.

The forward, who has spent the second half of this campaign on-loan from Torquay United, drove at the Walton defence before slotting past the home keeper.

Just minutes later and Dorchester were grateful for some heroics from Bycroft to keep the away side in front, clawing aside an effort that looked destined for the top corner.

As the game approached the half hour mark Walton began to increase their pressure on the Magpies goal, though without being able to create any real chances.

Meanwhile, Dorchester remained a constant threat to the home side through the attacking prowess of Stanley and Koszela.

In the 34th minute Adam Liddle went close for the Stags but could only shoot wide after being played through onto Bycroft’s goal.

Three minutes later and the visiting keeper was called into action once more to preserve Dorchester’s lead.

Bycroft saved his best until just before the break, flying across his goal mouth to save an effort from Rohdell Gordon.

Half time arrived and the Magpies headed for the tunnel 1-0 up and on course to secure what would have been their sixth away victory of the season.

As the action got underway for the second half it was the Stags who looked the more likely to score next.

First, Wilson Carvalho saw his effort cleared off the line before Jordy Mongoy’s tempting ball along the six-yard box was hacked away by the Dorchester defence.

Shortly afterwards and it was the Magpies’ turn to put the Walton defence under some pressure.

A mistimed tackle gave Dorchester an opportunity to threaten from a free kick, but the effort was unable to beat the wall.

As the second half wore on Dorchester were gifted a golden opportunity in the 66th minute to extend their lead. Referee Steven Scott awarded a penalty to the Magpies after a misjudged tackle from the Walton rear-guard.

However, Alfie Stanley, Dorchester’s top league scorer with 13 goals this season, was unable to convert, setting up a tense final quarter of the game.

Dorchester to their credit soaked up whatever pressure the Stags could throw at them.

In the 83rd minute the Magpies made their one and only substitution of the game, swapping out Purrington for fellow midfielder Gunson.

Approaching the 90-minute mark it looked as though the Magpies had done enough to hold on for their 13th league win of the season.

But as the game entered extra-time Dorchester would concede a late goal for the second time in as many games.

Walton were allowed to feed the ball into the box before it eventually fell at the feet of Odunaike who was on hand to tap home the equaliser.

Dorchester nearly threw away all three points with just seconds left on the clock, though Daniel Rowe could only find the gloves of Bycroft with his tame effort.

A point for Dorchester meant they finished the month of April having lost only once in five outings.

The Magpies having already secured crucial wins against Wimborne Town, Hendon and Salisbury.