THE physical effort exerted in winning at Eastbourne three days earlier played a big role in his side’s defeat to Havant & Waterlooville on Tuesday night in the eyes of Phil Simkin.

Magpies’ boss Simkin felt the quick turnaround between games left some of his players looking “a bit leggy” during the 2-0 reverse to the Hawks.

That meant the county town side couldn’t follow up their victory in East Sussex last Saturday with another at the Avenue.

If they had it would have sent Gosport to the foot of the table and meant consecutive Skrill South wins for the first time this season.

“We were on top in the first 20 minutes and started really well, but against a side like Havant you have to score, and we didn’t,” said Simkin, whose men now face runaway league leaders Bromley at home on Saturday.

“We went off like a steam train but looked a bit leggy as the game went on.

“When we win games we have to put so much physical effort into it and to play again three days later is a big ask.

“They did so well on Saturday that no-one deserved to be left out, but some recovered from it better than others.

“It’s not easy playing two games a week at any level, let alone this level.”

But Simkin is not throwing in the towel and again vowed to do all he can to keep Dorchester up this season.

“I will do everything I can to keep us in this league, but it’s hard, it’s so hard,” he added. “That’s another game slipped by and now we’ve got Bromley approaching.

“We’ll have to lick our wounds and have a look in training to see who is fit and who isn’t.”

Steve Walker is available again after his suspension and will come back into the squad.

And Simkin was pleased with the impact Clive Makoni had against Havant given his long spell on the sidelines.

He continued: “Clive showed up well in the time he was on the pitch.

“He plays on the shoulder of the last defender and does give you an out.

“You can put the ball behind and you know he is likely to get there.

“He is quick and a good finisher, unfortunately he’s lacking match practice – he hadn’t played since December 28.”