Magpies still in play-off contention

The Magpies remain in contention for the play-offs, but back-to-back defeats following their win against Winchester have seen them slip to seventh place, two points behind Metropolitan Police who occupy the final play-off spot.

A high-scoring defeat at the Avenue saw Swindon Supermarine come from behind to win by the odd goal in seven. The Magpies led at the break courtesy of Keith Emmerson’s goal, but Supermarine scored twice in quick succession early in the second half. Although Shaq Gwengwe swiftly found an equaliser, the visitors restored their lead within three minutes and opened up a two goal cushion with four minutes remaining. Although Kieran Douglas set up a grandstand finale with a goal at the death, Dorchester could not find an equaliser and fell to their fifth home defeat of the campaign. This was followed by a 3-0 defeat at Tiverton, where two first-half penalties put the hosts firmly in control at the break. Alfie Stanley saw his spot kick saved on 56 minutes, with Tiv increasing their advantage just two minutes later to effectively seal the points, despite the Magpies continuing to find a route back into the game as the home side were reduced to ten men with a quarter of an hour remaining. Glenn Howes’ men return to the Avenue to face mid-table Hanwell Town on Saturday, February 11.