DORCHESTER Town manager Steve Thompson believes the Magpies will lose at Harrow Borough in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier South tomorrow (3pm) should they repeat their second-half showing against Taunton.

Thompson’s brand of possession and passing football was in glorious display during the first half, but the Magpies still lost 2-1 against the Peacocks as their weakness in the air was exposed.

Dorchester’s level dropped off significantly in the second period with Thompson deploying a previously unused formation, featuring four players up front, during the final 20 minutes.

However, the Magpies’ boss insists his side could beat the Reds if they replicate the first-half performance shown against Taunton.

He told Echosport: “If you told me we’re going to play like we did in that first half I’ll be delighted.

“If you tell me we’re going to play like we did in the second half I think we would lose the game.

“I’ve said to the boys, ‘I have to take part of the blame’ as well.

“They obviously have to take responsibility for not picking up in the box because we always tell them that that’s vital that you mark a man rather than a space.

“But I have to take responsibility in not being able to get a centre-forward in to the club that can lead this club higher up the table.”

Thompson also stated that he had not had Harrow watched this season, but will use his contacts to develop a gameplan.

He said: “I do watch most teams. Most of our opponents I’ve seen this year, but Walton Casuals and Harrow are two that I haven’t.

“I will talk to people in that area who may have seen them play.

“When I look at the teams we’ve played I’d say that Weymouth and Salisbury have been the best two.

“As for the rest, you could give credit to Taunton – they’re doing well, they ground out a win (on Tuesday) and they’re in the top five.”

Kyle Egan could return after missing the Taunton game through personal reasons, while the fixture is set to be Alhaji Sesay’s final game with the Magpies as his loan from Bristol City is due to expire.

Alex Stafie and Ben Morris, who were both left out of the previous matchday squad, are also in contention while goalkeeper Kingsley Latham continues to make a graded return following his diagnosis of internal bleeding.