DORCHESTER Town boss Glenn Howes hopes his side’s fabulous 2-1 win at Poole Town will be the perfect tonic for Magpies supporters.

Shaq Gwengwe’s cool finish and Jordan Barnett’s free-kick proved enough for Dorchester at the Black Gold, while Will Spetch’s late header proved only an inconvenience.

Poole finished with ten men after Harvey Wright fouled Gwengwe as last man, seeing straight red in giving the free-kick away from which Barnett netted a beautiful goal to seal a first win of 2023/24.

And Howes hoped the victory would go some way to making amends with the fans after winning positions slipped away against Merthyr, Harrow and Walton & Hersham.

READ MORE: Poole Town 1-2 Dorchester Town - report

He told Echosport: “We felt our performances of late haven’t been fantastic. It’s easy to make excuses but at Merthyr we created 26 chances.

“Harrow there was a moment of petulance on our part and we conceded in the 100th minute. Walton and Winchester, it wasn’t good enough.

“We had a little bit of making up to do with the supporters. I felt the players did just that.

“We felt there was no better game to do it. I’m just really pleased to come here and get three points.”

Howes added: “I felt they were ever so brave. Even when Poole got one back, I didn’t feel like we were going to crumble, we were looking to see the game out.

“You fear the worst when they score in that moment but I felt we were good value for the win.”

Dorchester, now in 17th, move on to their FA Cup first qualifying round tie at Plymouth Parkway on Saturday (3pm).