DORCHESTER Town manager Robbie Herrera believes the Magpies “will be OK this season” despite losing 3-0 to Hungerford Town at the Avenue Stadium.

The Crusaders represented a three-step jump in opposition from Dorchester’s previous three pre-season contests this summer.

However, even after losing experienced midfielder Tom Soares to a tight calf just 21 minutes in, Dorchester competed well with their National League South opponents.

Following a goalless first half in which Dorchester created plenty of chances, ex-Weymouth striker Warren Bentley capitalised on a wayward pass to make it 1-0.

Unmarked Crusaders’ captain James Rusby headed home a corner in the 77th minute for 2-0 before Dorchester’s Ash Wells was denied late on.

There was still time for Hungerford to add a third via Curtus Angell’s peachy long-range strike in the 88th minute.

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Speaking after Dorchester’s first defeat of the summer, Herrera is confident his side can compete in the Southern League if mistakes are expelled.

“I thought we more than competed,” he told the club’s official website. “At times we played some good football, created chances.

“But if you give goals away like we give goals (away) then you’re not going to win football matches.

“It’s taken the gloss off what was otherwise quite a good performance.

“I’m not going to get down about it – a lot of positives to take from the game.

“If we can eradicate the mistakes we’re making, then we’ll be OK this season.”

Picking up on the positives, Herrera said: “We more than showed up well against a team from the league above.

“We passed the ball well at times, moved it well, created chances and could’ve scored two or three ourselves, so that’s pleasing.

“From the other side of things…all three goals we could’ve done something about, which was the disappointing thing.

“I’m pleased with the work rate, the effort the boys put in, and I’m happy with how they’re trying to play.

“If we can put paid to those mistakes, I think we’ll compete quite well this season.”

Dorchester Town host Weymouth in friendly action on Saturday (3pm).

Magpies: Walker-Harris, Hodges, Soares, Sa, Davidson, Wells, Hanger, Purrington, Bayston, Papakonstantinou, Lowes. Subs: Calverley, Madden, Burns, Callow, Fowles, Hewitt, Symes, Walker.