DORCHESTER Town boss Glenn Howes admitted a 2-2 draw was a fair result against Gosport Borough.

Howes watched on as Dorchester bossed the first half, Alfie Stanley and sub Kieran Douglas scoring well-taken goals for a 2-0 half-time lead.

While the Magpies missed chances for a third, Gosport enjoyed the better of play in the second half as Dan Wooden headed a goal back.

Dorchester defended resolutely in the face of big Gosport pressure and the Magpies were not without chances themselves.

However, Wooden took the next chance that fell his way in the 89th minute to ensure the points were shared in an entertaining encounter.

READ MORE: Gosport Borough 2-2 Dorchester Town - match report

Speaking to Echosport, Howes said: “We were obviously more pleased with our first-half performance than our second-half performance.

“Sometimes in football, that happens. You’re in the driving seat, we’re 2-0 up and controlling the game.

“Then, human nature sometimes you go on the back foot and that was a classic case in the second half.”

He added: “There were chances out there, chances aplenty, and even for Gosport in the second half. We’re still creating chances in the second half.

“When you have a moment of reflection, probably a draw was a fair result.

“If we could get that third goal, we felt the next goal was vitally important. It proved the case.

“But we didn’t capitulate. When it was 2-2, we were still brave and full of character and personality.

“We were determined to get something out of that game, which we did.”

On Dorchester’s goals, Howes added: “We felt we were the better team in the first half and Alfie took his goal really well.

“He was aggressive, strong and backed into the centre-half then finished it off.

“Then, the set-piece and (Charlie Gunson) rattled the crossbar, we couldn’t believe it didn’t go in but Kieran was on his toes and volleyed it in.”

One sour note for the Magpies was a knee injury to Harvey-Joe Bertrand.

Howes said: “It’s unfortunate to lose Harvey. Both lads have gone in on a full-blooded challenge and Harvey’s come off worse.

“We’ve had to make a change and it’s great to have Kieran back. The last two or three weeks we’ve suffered a few injuries.

“You want decisions and choices to be made as a manager and you can do that when you’ve got a fully fit and firing squad.

“Kieran came in, which was a massive plus for us.”

Dorchester face a long trip to Merthyr Town tomorrow evening as their Pitching In Southern League Premier South campaign continues (7.45pm).