DORCHESTER Town boss Glenn Howes called on his side to improve their cutting edge in the final third following a narrow 1-0 defeat by Met Police.

The Blues returned to the top of Pitching In Southern League Premier South but were made to work extremely hard for their victory by another brave Dorchester display.

Howes’ men, who remain 19th, created decent chances for Louie Slough, Tom Purrington and Oakley Hanger while the best opportunity fell for Olaf Koszela in the second half.

At the other end, Jack Bycroft saved well from Oliver Knight and a Ferdinand backheel before making further good stops to deny Rudy Allen and Richard Afrane-Kesey.

Speaking to Echosport following the loss, Howes took some consolation in what was another spirited performance.

READ MORE: Dorchester Town 0-1 Metropolitan Police - match report

“You’re in danger of getting sick of saying that,” he admitted.

“You just keep persevering and persevering. I’d rather performances be good than just roll over and take defeat in a manner that you deserve defeat.

“We’ve spoken at length with Met Police. First half they’ve probably edged it and we were tepid with our display, probably gave them a little too much.

“Whereas, second half we reacted very well for prolonged periods. When we managed to pen them in we just couldn’t find that final execution in front of goal.”

On the timing of the winner, which came in the third minute of added time in the first half, Howes said: “There’s never a great time to concede.

“Right on half-time, we’re looking at decisions and the ball’s gone long for a throw in, they’ve recycled it, kept the ball live and gone down the right-hand side.

“The ball took a couple of knocks in and around the goal. They do put bodies in the box, Met Police.

“They really do force the issue, they’re full of firepower bringing another lad (Afrane-Kesey) in and they’ve got the luxury of (Jasper) Mather and (Jack) Mazzone on the bench, so it tells its own story.

“It’s disappointing. You go in at half-time, it changes two or three things you would say but our reaction was really good and that’s all you can ask for.”

Howes also urged his side to find more composure in front of goal but did relay his satisfaction with the number of chances created.

“Louie’s just put a header over the bar,” he said. “Then Olaf’s had a half chance.

“It’s getting Olaf in those positions to show a bit more composure and challenging his choice of strike, when and where to go.

“Oaks has gone at the back stick, a nice move down the right-hand side and he’s fired just wide.

“So, I think we’ve carved chances for ourselves to get something out of the game, that’s for sure.”