SUTTON UNITED 3

Bray 36, Watkins 61, 85

DORCHESTER TOWN 1

Critchell 32

NOT for the first time, Dorchester Town boss Ashley Vickers was left to rue missed opportunities as Sutton United came from behind to sink the Magpies.

Defender Kyle Critchell drew first blood with his fifth goal in county town colours, as the visitors dominated much of the first half.

But an almost immediate response from Alan Bray, together with a second-half double for substitute Craig Watkins, saw the tables turn – condemning the Magpies to their fourth defeat of the Blue Square Bet South campaign.

Vickers said: “Chris Wilson (goalkeeping coach) keeps stats for us during the game and we dominated 65 per cent of it on Saturday.

“We had a lot of really good chances and their keeper made some excellent saves.

“Looking at the stats, we are having to work twice as hard as other teams to score goals. They are either more clinical or are benefiting from defensive and goalkeeping errors.

“We went into the lead but we conceded a very soft goal and then got caught square for the second.

“The crux of it is the performance was good but we have got a few issues we need to address, and we will do that as quickly as possible.

“It might mean extra coaching or changing personnel. We need a bit more of a goal threat and we need to shore up at the back.”

The Magpies’ boss though, was delighted to welcome back AFC Bournemouth loanee Gary Bowles.

He added: “He hasn’t played much but he is a quality player. We pulled him off towards the end to chase the game but he defended well alongside Nathan Walker.”

Vickers was also buoyed by the county town fans who made the trip to Surrey, saying: “We had great travelling support – they were superb.”

With Steve Devlin suspended, last week’s match-winner Nick Crittenden returned to the starting XI, while Bowles made his first appearance of the season following the end of his five-match ban.

Ryan Dovell dropped to the bench as a result with skipper Mark Jermyn reverting to the more familiar surroundings of centre midfield.

United meanwhile, were able to call upon former Coventry and South-ampton defender Paul Telfer and ex-QPR striker Leroy Griffiths.

Given the impressive nature of last Monday’s win at Truro, and Dorchester’s inconsistent form thus far, many would have expected a reversal in fortune at Gander Green Lane.

However, the Magpies continued in the same vein and saw Ben Dickenson head over from close-range early on before Ashley Nicholls failed with an ambitious overhead kick midway through the half.

The two summer signings then combined with the former teeing up the latter to shoot over the top.

The visiting pressure continued to grow and when Crittenden’s effort was well saved by home keeper Kevin Scriven, the Magpies opened the scoring from the subsequent corner.

Chris Flood delivered to the near post and Critchell was there to notch his second of the campaign.

But just four minutes later, Sutton were gifted an immediate leveller as a defensive mix-up allowed Bray to restore parity.

Dorchester went on the offensive once more and only a superb stop denied Ryan Moss.

The second half proved a completely different story as the Magpies struggled to regain supremacy.

And on the hour mark, home substitute Watkins put his side in front for the first time.

Jamie Gleeson replaced Flood, meaning Dickenson was pushed into a more attacking role.

But the switch failed to pay dividends, and even the removal of Bowles for the more adventurous Dovell backfired as United opened up a two-goal cushion.

Nicholls was caught in possession, Watkins drove towards goal and the former Exeter City man beat Simon Evans to make it 3-1.

And with just five minutes remaining, there was no way back for Vickers’ charges.

Magpies: Evans, Critchell, Martin, Jermyn, Walker, Bowles (Dovell 78), Crittenden, Nicholls, Moss, Flood (Gleeson 62), Dickenson. Subs not used: Bell, Symes, Walker-Harris.

Booked: Mark Jermyn.

Attendance: 645