PHIL Simkin accused certain contracted players of constantly letting him down following Saturday’s below-par performance against rivals Weymouth in Ian Hutchinson’s testimonial.

The Dorchester Town boss also questioned the timing of the fixture following ankle injuries to Ben Watson and Neil Martin.

Speaking after the 0-0 draw, Simkin told Echosport: “I did not want to play the game in the first place but the decision went out of my hands.

“We have come out of it with a couple of injuries to Ben and Neil, and why we played it I will never know – I just cannot understand it.

“I am pleased for Ian Hutchinson and would do anything for the lad but if I had the choice we wouldn’t have played this with only a couple of weeks left of pre-season.

“It was always going to be their cup final and fair play to them because they stopped us playing.

“On our part, when teams do that we need to learn to adapt and go to plan B and be a bit more direct, but what it also showed is just how much we miss our big players when they are not there.

“We did not want to risk Nick Crittenden but when he is not playing we struggle for an outlet out wide. We also missed Nathan Walker, who is not only a presence but a good footballer too that gets us playing out from the back.

“If Weymouth play like that every week they will have a good season but I am not sure they will.”

He added: “We were much more competitive in the second half but unfortunately I have got certain players I have inherited on contract that I have had to stick with that didn’t perform, and haven’t performed since I have been here.

“It’s frustrating but I have just got to make the best out of the situation.”

The Magpies won just a single corner and their only shot on target came in the final minute as the two sides went on to share the Bob Lucas Trophy.

Simkin added: “At least we didn’t lose the game and I thought Jason Matthews was excellent. The save he made in the second half from Mark Ford was outstanding.

“We also brought in Charlie Clough (ex-Bristol Rovers) again in the absence of Nathan, who could not play after stepping on a nail. “Charlie needs to get himself on show if he wants to get a deal anywhere but his demands have been a bit too much for us so far along with most other clubs.

“I thought he did well in the game and if we can sort something out then great.

“Elliot Ward (ex-AFC Bournemouth) is another trialist we have been taking a look at and if he doesn’t want too much to stay then that is fine too.”

Two other players that missed the clash for Dorchester were Exeter City loanees Jamie Reid and Jacob Wannell.

Simkin went on to say: “Unfortunately, everything didn’t go through in time for them to play but there is no doubt they will make a big difference as they are two excellent players.”

The Magpies travel to Hamworthy Recreation tomorrow night before sending another side to Portland United on Wednesday. Both games are scheduled to kick-off at 6.30pm.