BASINGSTOKE TOWN 1 Dorchester TOWN 0

DORCHESTER Town were once again left to rue missed opportunities as they endured a fourth consecutive defeat in Blue Square Bet South.

A 33rd-minute header from Basingstoke’s David Pratt was enough to secure all three points for the hosts but it could have been a different story for the Magpies had they converted at least one of several golden opportunities.

In his post-match assessment, boss Ashley Vickers was adamant the better team lost.

He said: “Had we been well and truly pummelled then I would be honest enough to say it but I can’t find the words to describe how dominant we were. Even their supporters said the same.

“Each and every one of the lads was outstanding and if we can keep that positive frame of mind we will be okay.

“The great thing is that I don’t have to enthuse the lads, they are frustrated with the results we’ve had but they can see how dominant they’ve been. They also know that we will get our just rewards.

“Once we get that first point it will act as a platform. It’s just a question of being patient.”

The Magpies switched to a 4-5-1 formation with Stuart Douglas making way for winger Nick Crittenden and Ryan Moss playing as the lone frontman.

The move appeared to have the desired effect with the visitors stifling the hosts early on and going close through Dave Allen and Moss.

However, as so often the case already this season, Dorchester failed to build on their bright start and saw their opponents hit back against the run of play.

A cross from Matt Finlay was nodded in by Pratt to end 211 goalless minutes for the home side and put them in front.

It remained 1-0 going into the break before the Magpies made another lively opening as the second half got underway.

And they came within inches of drawing level as Steve Devlin was denied by a post.

At the other end, Jide Ogunbote squandered a great opportunity for the hosts – sending his 10-yard volley over the top.

Dead-ball specialist Ryan Hill narrowly missed with a 20-yard free-kick before Allen cleared the bar with an angled drive.

Matt Groves replaced Crittenden as the Magpies reverted to 4-4-2 and within minutes Nathan Walker saw a header, from a Devlin corner, cleared off the line.

Moss then had an effort saved before visiting keeper Simon Evans almost caught out his opposite number with a monster kick in stoppage time.

Dorchester recorded their biggest ever win in the second tier of non-League football when the two sides last met – a 6-1 victory at the Avenue Stadium on April 5 – but there was no such joy for Vickers’ men this time around and they remain rooted to the foot of the table.

Basingstoke: Tardif, Rice, Finlay (Smart 83), Adams, Gasson, Pattison, Frewen (Warner 62), Lake, Laidler, Ogunbote, Pratt (Downes 90). Subs not used: Williamson, Draper.

Magpies: Evans, R Hill, Martin, Jermyn, Walker, Critchell, Crittenden (Groves 75), Coutts, Moss, Allen, Devlin. Subs not used: K Hill, Gleeson, Frampton, Douglas.

Booked: Basingsoke – Finlay Magpies – Moss, Allen, Devlin, Walker Attendance: 336 Other results – Barclays Premier League: Man City 3 Liverpool 0.

Blue Square South: Eastleigh 3 Maidenhead Utd 0.