DORCHESTER Town interim boss Craig Robinson admitted the Magpies were “gutted” to lose 2-1 to league leaders Farnborough at the Avenue Stadium.

Robinson and fellow interim boss Brian Churchill will have been buoyed by Alfie Stanley’s second-minute opener, getting the final touch on Oakley Hanger’s superb cross.

However, Pitching In Southern League Premier South table toppers Boro hit back in the second half with an Elliott Buchanan double – his winning goal a stunning free-kick.

It means Dorchester’s quest goes on for first back-to-back league wins at home since December 2017.

Speaking to the Magpies’ media team post-match, Robinson said: “We’re gutted. First half we played great football, offensive football.

“We’ve created good chances, scored a good goal, worked incredibly hard on and off the ball. So the first-half performance was absolutely superb.

READ MORE: Dorchester Town 1-2 Farnborough - match report

“Second half, the energy was there, commitment was there, bit of luck wasn’t. When you’re top of the league you get one and believe you can get two.

“We’ve conceded the first goal and I don’t think we quite had the belief we could see it out.

“It's tough for the lads, tough for Brian, tough for me.

“I thought that was probably our best performance and yet again we’ve got no rewards, which is very disappointing.”

Two positives for Dorchester were the debuts for new signings Harry Lee and Kieran Roberts.

Exeter loanee Lee, 16, excelled in goal while striker Roberts showed glimpses of the form which has seen him bag 15 goals in 15 games for AFC Portchester this season.

Churchill said: “Harry was fantastic. You could see his pedigree from the word go. He’s made a terrific one-on-one save in the first half from their counter-attack.

“Then his distribution and dead-ball kicks were top drawer. He’s unlucky to be on the losing side, that’s for sure.

“I’ve known Kieran from before. He just gives us that physicality up top. Sam Bayston was just running out of steam and not feeling well at half-time. That was a straight swap.”

Dorchester continue to deliberate over the choosing of their new manager, having completed the interview process.

The Magpies are keen to make a telling appointment, having seen six managers go in little under five years.