DORCHESTER Town assistant James Wood believes the third goal in Weston-super-Mare’s 3-1 win over his side “killed” the Magpies’ chances of a positive result.

Weston, top of the Pitching In Southern League Premier South by five points with two games in hand, underlined their formidable reputation with a dominant display.

Scott Bartlett’s men were 2-0 up in 28 minutes as ex-Magpie Olly Mehew and Marlon Jackson netted.

Dorchester got themselves back in it thanks to a predatory strike from Harvey Bradbury, but Weston bagged a crucial third 18 minutes from time to extinguish Dorchester’s hopes of a point.

READ MORE: Weston-super-Mare 3-1 Dorchester Town - report

Speaking to Echosport, Wood reiterated his belief that Weston are champions elect and will win the title “at a canter”.

He said: “I said it when I did the interview when we played them at home, Weston in our opinion are the best team we’ve seen at this level.

“They’re a quality side. We’ve come up against real quality throughout their side.

“It’s difficult to look at negatives because you’re playing against an exceptional side and a team we think will go on to win this league at a canter.

“We take a little bit of credit for our second-half performance. We went on the front foot and a little more toe-to-toe with them.

“We got a goal back but the third goal really killed us. From back to front they’re very good, so no qualms on our part.”

Despite admitting Dorchester were second-best, the ex-Poole coach did feel “panic” would have set in amongst Weston late on had the Magpies held off conceding a third.

He said: “We were good second half, a lot more aggressive in our approach and got the goal back at 2-1.

“What we needed to happen was for it to remain at 2-1 until the real latter stages of the game.

“Possibly a little bit of panic would’ve set in and we could’ve thrown the kitchen sink at them in those last ten minutes.

“When they got the third goal it was dead and buried, to be honest.”

Dorchester host Gosport Borough on Saturday (3pm).