DORCHESTER remain in the hunt for survival - but only just.
The Magpies' win over Maidenhead United on Tuesday night has enabled them to hang on to their Blue Square South status for the time being but if they are to get out of the bottom three they will need to pull off an escape act of Harry Houdini proportions.
With just five games to go, three at sides chasing automatic promotion or the play-offs, there is little room for
error.
To their credit, Dorchester have improved their defensive woes with Patrece Liburd and Roy O'Brien forming a solid partnership, the big problem remains further up the pitch.
Jones Awuah has done well to get 13 goals in a struggling side but could easily have had 20 plus, looking back at chances missed. Only two other members of the current squad have scored more than two goals this season, the pair being Jon Docker (6) and Jamie Gleeson (4), which shows the severe lack of firepower throughout the team.
Shaun Brooks has reiterated that the club cannot afford to pay top dollar for a goal machine so the burning question that has been asked so many times this season remains - why let Matt Groves go?
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If the Magpies can keep things tight at Hampton & Richmond today and come away with at least a point then they will avoid the drop for a further week.
Defeat though, with only four games after, will surely put an end to their fight, especially given the fact that Welling face St Albans and Weston-super-Mare take on Maidenhead United, so at least two of those sides will pick up points this afternoon.
Tuesday's victory was a close-run thing with Liburd getting the all-important goal right at the death. If the Magpies perform like they did in the first half of that game - no attempts at goal and little threat going forward - then there is absolutely no chance of them avoiding relegation.
The highly impressive form of relegation rivals St Albans (five wins from six) and Welling (four wins from five) has proved a huge detriment to Dorchester's hopes.
But to have any chance of beating the drop teams must put a decent run of results together at some point in the season. It's time the Magpies did so themselves.
o o o
WHILE Dorchester and Weymouth struggle in their respective leagues much praise should fall at the feet of Portland United and Chickerell United.
The Chickens have won the Dorset Senior League title at a canter while the Blues have a great chance of recording a historic treble.
Dave Kiteley's men take on Hamworthy Recreation today at Grove Corner (3pm) looking to make their second cup final of the season.
The way in which the islanders have gone about their business has been highly impressive - solid as a defensive unit and deadly in attack.
Last week saw them thump Gillingham Town to move seven points clear at the Dorset Premier League summit and few would back against them landing at least one trophy this season.
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