DORCHESTER Town temporary boss Jody Rivers admitted he was “heartbroken” after Marvin Brooks’ 89th-minute goal gave Poole a 1-0 victory over the nine-man Magpies at the Clayson Stadium.

Rivers watched on as both defender Neil Martin and goalkeeper Nick Hutchings were sent off by referee Iain Parsons for tripping Brooks in the space of 11 second-half minutes.

The dismissals prompted a spell of heroic, determined defending from Dorchester, including a fabulous save from sub keeper Shane Murphy as Poole raided forward at will.

Brooks was to prove the Magpies’ undoing though, as Murphy’s parry landed perfectly for the striker to tuck home from two yards.

Commenting on the loss, Dorchester’s sixth in 12 games at home this season, Rivers’ agony was plain to see.

“I’m heartbroken,” he said. “I’m absolutely devastated. Too many times those players have come in at half-time or at the end of a game and left stuff out on the pitch.

“It’s not been good enough, and I’ve told them – but not (yesterday).

“Some people said two men being sent off is ill discipline but in the heat of the moment it happens. I’ll reflect on that and look at the decisions Neil and Hutch have made.

“I just want to talk about the group of players that have given absolutely everything – we’re heartbroken.”

Asked whether he had any complaints about the dismissals, Rivers said: “No, not at all – they’re both red cards.”

Dorchester have no match this weekend but return to action on New Year’s Day, hosting Blackfield & Langley at the Clayson Stadium (3pm).