MANAGER Glenn Howes felt his “depleted” Dorchester Town side “gave absolutely everything” in a 2-0 FA Trophy third qualifying round loss at Plymouth Parkway.

Dorchester were missing five players, in addition to two completing deals with other clubs in midweek, and could only name two substitutes.

They kept the score level at 0-0 until the 68th minute, when Harvey-Joe Bertrand was sent off for handball, leaving Rio Garside to score the resultant penalty eight minutes after his introduction.

Spirited Dorchester pushed for a leveller and twice threatened through Olly Balmer before Jared Lewington’s breakaway goal sealed Parkway’s place in the main draw.

READ MORE: Plymouth Parkway 2-0 Dorchester Town - match report

Speaking to Echosport, Howes said: “We gave absolutely everything. We were a little bit depleted and low on numbers, however that’s no excuse.

“We gave a good account of ourselves in possession and out of possession, we were very organised, it was a difficult pitch and both teams cancelled each other out.

“The decisive moment was the penalty and going down to ten men. You’re really up against it then.”

On the penalty, Howes added: “It’s a split-second decision. There’s no doubt the ball’s struck the lad’s hand.

“We spoke to the official, he had a good view and felt it was going in the back of the net. I’m unsure of that, I was a little unsighted.

“There’s no huge complaints from our side. It’s happened and we’ve had to get on with it, but I felt our reaction to going one down with ten men was brilliant.

“We were full of character and personality and asked Plymouth some questions.”

Asked if Dorchester had been creative enough for his liking, Howes replied: “It was a difficult environment to create clear-cut chances, especially the style of play and the way we choose to play in those conditions.

“We had a lot of set-pieces and arguably could’ve done better. We felt it was going to be decided from a set-piece, which was the case.

“To create clear-cut chances on that pitch, it was really difficult to break either side down. That’s credit to Plymouth because they were really well organised.

“I felt we were organised ourselves. We had a couple of chances where Balms has cut in on his left foot and the keeper’s made a good save, but it was a difficult afternoon for both sides.”