DORCHESTER Town manager Tom Killick admitted to a tactical “error” that he felt cost the Magpies the chance of victory at Hanwell Town during their 1-1 draw.

It took only nine minutes for Hanwell to open the scoring, ex-Southend, Torquay and Swindon striker Elliot Benyon stooping to head past Jameson Horlick at the back post.

Jacob Bancroft hit the top of the bar before half-time, at which stage sub Shaq Gwengwe came on as part of a double change.

The alteration worked as the striker had a shot saved and saw a goal ruled out for offside before finally netting in the 77th minute to clinch a point for the Magpies.

READ MORE: Hanwell Town 1-1 Dorchester Town - report

Dorchester did end the game with 10 men when Gwengwe’s fellow sub Luke Roberts hobbled off injured with a hamstring but the Magpies held on to go five games unbeaten.

However, it was the decision to bring Roberts on in the 70th minute that caused Killick to berate his own wisdom.

Killick told Echosport: “It’s one of those things that I probably made an error in that I brought on a third sub quite early.

“We ended up then getting an injury which meant we had to play again with 10 men, which we seem to be getting plenty of practice at.

“It was at a time when we’re in the ascendancy and probably looking the likelier team to win it. Then that sets us back and we have to be quite determined, make sure we defended well and kept a point.

“Whereas, with 11 men on the field we would’ve been able to really push for a winning goal. It’s another one where it’s a bit mixed.

“On the one hand, against a very in-form team it’s another game unbeaten, another point.

“But with the way the game was there’s a little bit of regret there, certainly from a personal point of view, in perhaps just making that sub a little bit early which left us in a difficult spot.

“But brilliant resilience and determination. There’s a very good spirit amongst the players, it would appear, at the moment.”

When put to him his half-time introduction of Gwengwe had changed the game, Killick replied: “Yes, but it’s another one of those where you could flip it round and say: ‘Perhaps I should’ve started him’.

“Shaq, to be fair, has been exceptional in the fact that it hasn’t been easy for him being out of the team.

“His attitude has been exemplary. He’s trained really well and I’ve been so impressed with him. He’s come on at half-time and scored with a brilliant finish and he’s had one disallowed that wasn’t offside.

“I just feel sometimes you do get rewarded for being a proper person. That’s happened to him.”

Killick also insisted Gwengwe’s disallowed goal was not offside, a statement he revealed had been made by a Hanwell sub in line with the Magpies’ defence when the call was made.

“It’s funny, it was one of their subs,” he continued.

“He was warming up and said he was about two yards onside. The linesman’s given it.

“I wouldn’t have been in the position to be critical of that decision, it’s just based on what was said.

“Shaq himself said he was clearly onside and then it was borne out by one of their subs. We count ourselves a little bit unfortunate.

“But Shaq didn’t let it affect him and he’s ended up with a great goal that gives us a valuable point.”

Dorchester move on to a home game with promotion-chasing Gosport Borough on Saturday (3pm).