PHIL Simkin says he can see light at the end of the tunnel after the winless Magpies suffered another home defeat on Saturday.

Dorchester were sunk 3-1 by Ebbsfleet and had keeper Alan Walker-Harris and defender Charlie Clough sent off at the Avenue Stadium.

Billy Bricknell (2) and Anthony Cook scored the Fleet goals with Ben Watson replying for the county town side.

Simkin, who hopes to clinch a loan deal for a striker from a League club this week, remains upbeat but claims he is also using all his favours up.

He said: “I thought we were in the game for long periods but the second goal was a killer for us.

"Unfortunately, after losing five senior players, every week is going to be a battle and will be until next April.

"Because of this, our less experienced players are making individual errors because they are under pressure and it is hard to take.

"The boys were very upset in the dressing room after the game but they gave me everything.

Commenting on the red cards, Simkin said: "It was unfortunate, Alan Walker-Harris made some good saves and was playing well but I have no qualms with it.

"However, I though Charlie Clough's red card was a bit harsh, especially as it so late in the game."

Simkin added: "If I wasn't seeing the effort from the players, then I would be distraught but they are giving me 100 per cent.

"It was difficult playing Ben Watson on his own up front as he was up against two big defenders.

"However, people should write us off at their peril, because we have a lot fight still in us"

Next up for the Magpies, is a trip to league new boys Concord Rangers on Saturday (3pm).