DORCHESTER manager Steve Thompson credited his side for a strong defensive display, despite admitting they were not at their best as they beat Bishop’s Stortford 1-0 at the Avenue in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division.

A great effort from Tom Blair won it for the Magpies in the 45th minute after they had been on top for the majority of the first half.

Thompson said: “I am always happy with a win, it was a scrappy win. We were not at our best. It was a good defensive display, we did not create loads of chances.”

Late on, Antonio Diaz, Ollie Griggs and Ed Bastick had chances to wrap up the win but the Magpies could not find the goal to double their tally after Blair’s effort.

Thompson said: “I thought we had some good chances in the last 15 minutes to seal the win but we were not at our best by a long way.

“We have ground out a few 1-0s at home so it is another one to add to that list of not spectacular games, although the goal was pretty spectacular.

“It was a great dribble from Aaron and a great finish from Tom so I am very pleased with the 1-0 win.”

Dorchester started the game well and were on top for most of the first half as they spent most of their time in the Blues’ half.

Thompson said: “At half-time I was pleased in some ways that we had scored a good goal and we looked defensively solid but I did not feel that we created enough, I felt that we created more in the second half but maybe that is because Bishop’s Stortford had to push in the last 20 minutes for that equaliser and it left more space at the back.”

When asked if he feared a 1-1 draw when seeing the chances go by late on Thompson said: “Ed’s (Bastick) was a great effort. It was not an easy chance, he was 25-yards out it was a great curling effort.

“It is still three points at the end even though we were not at our best it is still a hard working, efficient performance.”

Winsper played the full match despite Thompson admitting that he was not 100 per cent fit and Thompson praised him for battling through.

Thompson said: “It takes the whole squad sometimes to win a game, the 14 that played on Saturday, but also the encouragement from the subs, from the management and the physio and everyone being right behind it and I think that is what we have got at the club.”

The Magpies face St Neots Town tonight for their second game in three days at the Avenue (7.45pm).

Thompson said: “I am happy and confident, I think we have won seven out of our last 10 games at home, with one draw and two defeats in that run so we are in good form at home.”

Carmichael will be available after serving a one-match suspension against Bishop’s Stortford.

Thompson said: “It leaves me with a tough decision because we have kept a clean sheet and Clarkey (Chris Clarke) has come in at left back and done well.

Aaron Rodriguez and Blair will be assessed prior later but Thompson said other players may get a chance.