DORCHESTER Town manager Glenn Howes believes the Magpies can learn well from Yeovil Town’s forwards after a 5-0 pre-season friendly loss to the Glovers on Tuesday.
Dorchester were only 1-0 down at half-time against a side tipped by many to win the National League South next season.
However, Yeovil boss Mark Cooper then introduced the high-calibre trio of Rhys Murphy, Jordan Maguire-Drew and Frank Nouble.
Murphy added a second before a quickfire Maguire-Drew brace and a superb fifth from Nouble put Dorchester to the sword.
READ MORE: Dorchester Town 0-5 Yeovil Town - report
Speaking to Echosport, Howes was in no doubt as to where the difference between the sides lies.
“If you can’t learn from them, you might as well pack up and go home,” he said.
“The movements, a couple of them when they’re dropping in, their decision making in when to go, can they be more aggressive or leave gaps and spaces in behind?
“Ultimately, the centre-halves (need) to cover each other but it happened so fast. James (Wood, assistant) was talking about how quick their movements are.
“Then you see the goals we’ve conceded, the way they peel off. You’ve got to get out of there quick.
“That mantra has got to be with you. There are so many things to learn from that game, hopefully the boys will watch it through. They’re the tests you want to go through.”
While Howes praised Yeovil’s attack, he admitted the Magpies have work to do in defence.
Asked for his thoughts on Dorchester’s defensive actions, Howes said: “Good question.
“First half, I felt we were really well organised. I felt Yeovil had a couple of movements in central areas that were problematic.
“As soon as the communication improved and we defended central areas better, there was a good willingness to put (men) behind the ball.
“We were quite hard to break down. Second half, once you start chasing the game you’re always a little bit more open and expansive.
“Ultimately, there were some tired legs after an hour and the big guns come on and ask you all sorts of questions.
“That’s what you want, what pre-season’s for. We gave a good account of ourselves defensively. It wasn’t a lack of winning, it’s a true sign of where we are as a team at the moment.”
Up front, Dorchester only managed their first shot on target in the 72nd minute.
Several crosses zipped across the Yeovil box without a forward gambling to intercept and Howes admitted work must be done.
Howes said: “It’s several items we’re looking at. It’s movements of players, then you’re looking at pass detail and then you’ve got to have the intelligence of knowing when to get in front of your man.
“You’ve got to have the energy from a midfielder to break into the box, wide players have got to make the box. There’s a whole host of items to consider.
“(Tonight) that’s what we will be discussing, how we can get on the end of these passes.”
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