DORCHESTER Town suffered a dramatic 93rd-minute loss at Kings Langley, but what were the main talking points?

CONNOLLY HAUNTS MAGPIES AGAIN

AUGUST seems a long time ago now but Kings Langley centre-back Gary Connolly has previous for late goals against Dorchester.

In the fourth game of the season Connolly popped up with an 84th-minute volley to peg the Magpies back to 2-2 and a share of the points.

This time round, Dorchester sustained arguably a crueller blow when Connolly tapped home deep in stoppage-time to sneak a 1-0 victory.

Dorchester will probably be glad to see the back of the Kings Langley defender.

LATHAM RESPONDS

KINGSLEY Latham has faced an extended spell on the bench after the form of fellow goalkeeper Nick Hutchings.

However, after Hutchings delivered an unconvincing display during the 4-1 defeat to Salisbury, manager Callum Brooks opted to start Southampton loanee Latham.

And the tall gloveman duly responded with an assured display and a couple of excellent saves which kept Dorchester in the game at the time.

Latham’s performance did not warrant a last-ditch loss and it will be intriguing to see if the youngster is again given the nod against Tiverton.

SLOW START

WHETHER it was the warm weather or end-of-season syndrome, both sides began the game at pedestrian pace in terms of chances created.

It took until 18 minutes in for either goalkeeper to be seriously tested as Latham pushed a shot behind for a corner.

With each team having something to play for – Lango a play-off place and Dorchester survival – the slow start was puzzling, although the action did intensify in the second half.

LACK OF CHANCES

DORCHESTER’S season has been punctuated by big scores and goal droughts.

The Magpies have scored four or more goals in matches on seven occasions but have also had notable arid patches – particularly in late January when almost 300 minutes of football passed without a goal.

Chances created have also been sparse this season as striker Ben Seymour again found out against Kings Langley with the 20-goal marksman barely catching a sight of goal.

SURVIVAL IN THEIR HANDS

ENSURING Evo-Stik Southern Premier South safety is very much in Dorchester’s control.

Walton Casuals’ 4-2 loss at Salisbury plunged the Stags into the bottom three after Gosport won 5-0 at Staines, leaving a four-point gap to the drop zone for the 17th-placed Magpies.

Subsequently, with Tiverton visiting the Clayson Stadium, Dorchester must match or better Walton’s result at Kings Langley to consolidate their status in the division with one game to spare.