Magpies: Dorchester's form a 'head-scratcher' as Tiverton lie in wait

Robinson’s men host leaders Tiverton Town at the Avenue Stadium tomorrow (3pm) looking to secure their first victory of a troubled campaign.

Dorchester have just one point to their name after a 0-0 stalemate with Wimborne last time out.

Previous to the draw, Dorchester had lost league matches against Weston and Yate either side of an FA Cup shock exit at Christchurch.

Speaking to Echosport, Robinson said: “Admittedly we have started the first four games a lot slower than we would’ve liked.

“As a management team we’re confused as to where the team we had in pre-season has gone.

“The team in pre-season competed so well with your pro sides and got a bit of confidence from that – it’s like chalk and cheese at the minute.

“It’s a bit of a head-scratcher as to where that team has gone. That’s the sheer nature of a lack of points over a year.

“No question, we still need to improve. As I’ve said all along, it was never going to happen over one pre-season and early season from where we were.

“Don’t forget as well we’re working on a slightly lower budget with coronavirus. Those things go hand in hand – it’s not going to happen overnight.”

Poor form led a small minority of fans to chant ‘Robbo out’ during the Wimborne game.

Addressing those cries, Robinson said: “People are entitled to have their opinion.

“I don’t have any thoughts about me because it’s not about me. I’m more worried about the players.

“If that had a negative effect on the players, makes them edgy, that’s not good for the team.

“I’m very, very thick-skinned so that sort of stuff washes off me. If it affects the players and they don’t take that shot on, that’s obviously a problem.

“It’s not ideal, but that’s football and the world we live in. We’re talking ifs and buts but if we had that exact same performance and came off with a 1-0 win, everyone’s a hero.”

Dorchester continue to monitor left-back Tiago Sa (calf).