DORCHESTER Town boss Glenn Howes hailed a “ruthless” display from the Magpies after their season-ending 3-1 victory at Met Police.

After a goalless yet entertaining first half, Dorchester took the lead when Louie Slough grabbed his second goal of the season.

His finish, when Matty Neale’s corner hit the bar, was cancelled out by Liam Ferdinand’s predatory strike after Ryan Hall saved from ex-Weymouth forward Martell Taylor-Crossdale.

However, Dorchester retook the lead when golden boot winner Shaq Gwengwe scored his 13th goal of the season at the second time of asking after his lob was cleared off the line.

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Chasing an equaliser, Met poured pressure on and Conor Lee hit the bar before Neale made sure of the points deep into stoppage-time.

Victory ensured Dorchester did the double over the Blues and matched their best finish since the 2015/16 season, claiming 13th.

Howes told Echosport: “They’re a really good side and they finished eighth this year. They always end up in or around the play-offs.

“They’re a team that really do punch above their weight and they perform almost minor miracles.

“We’ve managed to win at home and away to them. I know they played Thursday night, so they might’ve been suffering a little bit physically but you’ve got to take that opportunity.

“You’ve got to be a little bit ruthless in the way you play and I thought we did that.”

Howes felt Dorchester should have been given a penalty after four minutes as Gwengwe went down in the box.

“Shaq was a real threat all day,” Howes said. “He rightly deserved the golden boot accolade.

“He played on the shoulder, ran in behind and was causing them problems. We definitely felt it was a penalty because the guy had two arms stretched out.”

Howes later praised Dorchester’s character, adding: “We were an aerial threat from set-pieces.

“The back five were reasonably big. It was pleasing for Louie to get his goal and he enjoyed the moment.

“I just felt we showed a huge amount of character. Met Police threw the kitchen sink at it and were causing us problems, particularly through the middle.

“They were cutting us open too often for our liking. We felt making a change and putting three up (front) made a marker in terms of forcing them back.

“We wanted to finish the season on a positive. Fair play to the players, they showed a huge amount of personality. We swung the game back our way.”

He continued: “If you haven’t got a strong mindset you’re really going to struggle at this level.

“So, I was really pleased with the boys that they rallied between themselves and we asked question after question.

“I don’t think Met Police could have too arguments about where the points went.”

Giving a brief summary of the campaign, Howes concluded: “It has been a season of ups and downs.

“Sometimes when you play a season the ups far outweigh the downs. I’m not sure that’s the case this year.

“We’ve hit two patches we weren’t very happy with. All of a sudden come the end of the season we’ve turned the corner.

“We’ve picked up points against Harrow, Hendon, Salisbury and Met Police. Our form guide starts to change, so that’s really pleasing because you want to finish the season on a high.

“A thank you and appreciation for the marvellous support we received this year from our supporters and volunteers.

“The management and players are extremely thankful for this as without it nothing is possible.”