DORCHESTER Town first-team coach Brian Churchill praised a youthful Magpies side after the 1-0 defeat to Yate Town at the Avenue Stadium.

Dorchester finished with half their team aged 20 or under and handed debuts to under-23s stars Josh Phillips and Josh Baxter.

With safety in Pitching In Southern League Premier South already assured due to Saturday’s 1-0 win at Salisbury, Dorchester played with freedom in a gripping first half.

Chances flooded in for the Magpies, with Charlie Gunson, Tom Soares and Alfie Stanley all going close.

Olaf Koszela and Oakley Hanger also missed late opportunities moments before Luke Hopper pounced in the box for an 87th-minute winner.

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

Churchill told Echosport: “After Saturday’s euphoria, it was always our plan to give some of the youngsters that have performed well for the 23s some minutes – and some players who’ve sat on the bench for us, just to bring in some fresh legs.

“To be fair, the first 45 minutes they played like they’d played together all season, it was everything we asked. I don’t think Yate coped with our possession football.

“The lesson learnt from the first half was that we’re a very good squad. The only thing missing was that final third and putting it in the back of the net.

“Our DNA at the moment is not to concede, so one goal would’ve given us a massive boost. It wasn’t to be, but you can’t take anything away from that performance.

“It bodes well for next season. The players in and around the squad are hoping to stay here next season, so there’s a positive spin in there.”