DORCHESTETR Town boss Glenn Howes rued a lacklustre first half in possession as the Magpies went down to a narrow 1-0 loss to in-form Taunton.

While the Peacocks are now unbeaten in eight Pitching In Southern League Premier South games, Dorchester were left to assess a third straight league defeat.

Jared Lewington’s 17th-minute goal proved enough for the victory but there was late drama as he and away manager Rob Dray were sent off for dissent.

Their dismissals preceded a late chance for new Dorchester loan signing Olaf Koszela, who narrowly missed out on an equaliser in the 99th minute following pinball in the box.

Speaking to Dorchester’s media team post-match, Howes was frustrated by his side’s start to the match.

He said: “The first half was reasonably disappointing in terms of our performance.

READ MORE: Dorchester Town 0-1 Taunton Town - match report

“In terms of looking at ourselves, the goal itself is a cross and we’ve not quite got it about us to go and shut them down, close them up and read the ball.

“In fairness, it’s a great delivery. The centre-forward has peeled off, found a bit of space and it’s a great header.

“They didn’t really create and open us up. We were just extremely disappointed. We should’ve been closer to them and couldn’t land a blow.

“We had a couple of really good areas where we got forward in the box. Olaf has gone running through as well.

“We just weren’t pleased with our overall play, particularly in possession in the first half.”

Howes was much more taken with the following 45 minutes, however.

“Second half we improved significantly and caused Taunton some problems,” he said.

“Again, a couple of chances from Alfie (Stanley), Tom Purrington and Olaf. Perhaps on another day they bounce differently.

“We’ve had a lot of ball in the final third and forced them back. Taunton are a good side.

“For me, they’re up there with the Hayes and Farnboroughs. You look and it was real small margins. I just felt we should’ve done more in the first half.”