DORCHESTER Town can count themselves “unlucky” not to collect a positive result following the 3-2 loss to Swindon Supermarine, boss Glenn Howes believes.

Shaq Gwengwe and Charlie Gunson – with his first Dorchester goal – scored either side of half-time to swamp Supermarine’s opener through Harry Williams.

Harry Lee then saved a James Harding penalty after Kieran Douglas had fouled the forward in the box.

However, there was a final twist as Harding scored twice in three minutes to deprive Dorchester of a fifth victory of the season.

READ MORE: Swindon Supermarine 3-2 Dorchester Town - match report

Howes’ men are now stationed in seventh, with Supermarine fourth, but the Magpies’ manager hailed his side for another gutsy display.

He told Echosport: “We took the lead and deservedly so, we were really good in the first half and we started the second half really well, took control of the game.

“There was that ten or 15-minute period after we scored where we went on the backfoot and invited pressure.

“We were unwilling to engage in important situations and I felt that was pivotal in Swindon getting back in the game.

“They definitely went up another gear, forced the issue, and the game swung very quickly, unfortunately, in their favour.

“We went 3-2, licked our wounds for a period of time and got back involved. We created some good chances and unfortunately didn’t take them. We were unlucky not to get anything from the game.”

Howes also pinpointed the quality of both sides with the victory there for the taking.

“You saw both teams playing on the front foot,” he said. “Both teams going to win the game, both teams not settling for a point.

“Arguably, two teams very good in possession. That makes for an extremely entertaining game for the neutral but we’re obviously disappointed because we haven’t got anything.

“We felt we gave a really good account of ourselves and that’s all we ask from every game we play in.”

Howes had no complaints over the penalty decision but praised Lee for doing his homework.

Howes added: “We’ve got no qualms in terms of the penalty.

“They’re really clever in and around the box. They use their bodies well. Harry and (Steve) Dodge have done the homework and he’s done brilliantly to save that.

“Sometimes in life you feel you should be rewarded for doing your homework and due diligence but unfortunately that wasn’t the case.”

Howes also confirmed striker Alfie Stanley was missing from the line-up due to illness and should return for Saturday’s rematch at Supermarine in the FA Cup (3pm).