Merthyr Town 1-1 Dorchester Town: James Wood pleased with draw

Wood’s thoughts came after the 1-1 draw at Merthyr Town where Dorchester claimed a first point in Howes’ tenure.

After a goalless first half, Tom Purrington opened the scoring in the 53rd minute before Toby Raison equalised for the Martyrs.

Both sides had big chances to win it late on as Dylan Jones shot over for the hosts, before both Purrington and Kieran Roberts spurned opportunities for Dorchester.

Wood told Echosport: “It’s very important away from home that you come away with something. From that point of view we’re very pleased.

“It was a real humdinger of a game, end-to-end, on edge – probably great for the neutrals. 

“At times I thought we were quality. We controlled large parts of the game.

READ MORE: Merthyr Town 1-1 Dorchester Town - match report

We carved them open at times with our passing and created some great opportunities.

“That continued second half and in fairness they changed shape and had a really good spell, put us under pressure.

“When we got to grips with it, we changed shape lightly and got a foothold. We had two great chances to win at the end.

“Tom unfortunately has missed almost an open goal with the keeper committed and Kieran’s gone through one-on-one right at the death.

“Although we’re happy with the point, it could’ve quite easily been three.

Tom Purrington scored his first goal of the season Picture: DAVID PARTRIDGE

“A little disappointed we haven’t come away with the win but we’ll take the positives on a long coach journey on a Tuesday and coming away with a point.”

He added: “We’re just not getting that rub of the green and the lads are getting a little despondent because of that and chances that were missed.

“We can’t fault their work ethic, their application and the way they’ve adapted to the new things myself and Glenn are trying to put in place.

“There are a lot of positives. It’s not going to change overnight, we have to keep working hard.

“We’re seeing enough from this group to know that when we get one win, I think we’ll turn it into three or four wins on the bounce.”

Wood also reserved praise for Purrington but hinted at frustration for the midfielder – despite his goal.

“He’s a great lad and his performance was very good,” Wood said.

“But, as an attacking midfield player you do get judged sometimes in front of goal. It’s something he needs to add to his game.

“His overall performance was quality but he’s probably beating himself up because of the chances he’s missed, regardless of the one he scored.

“We just have to get back out on the training ground, keep working, keep them all in good spirits, and the tide will change.”