SWANAGE Town and Herston manager Paul Whitton branded referee Richard Batchelor’s second-half performance “an absolute farce” as his side went down 2-1 at Blandford United.

The Swans took charge after 15 minutes with a Ben Harding strike, but Kevin Murnane headed home just before the hour, before Saul Boulton sealed the points for the Royals 10 minutes later.

Whitton said: “We just didn’t seem to get anything out of the game.

“I know it just sounds like I am making excuses. But I don’t mind if we just lose a game to a good team – we have been struggling this season. We’ve played some good sides and have lost a fair few.

“But the second half was just an absolute farce. He gave absolutely everything to Blandford. It was to the extent where it got embarrassing.

“From where I was standing, I couldn’t see, but apparently both of the goals were offside.”

Elsewhere, Hamworthy Recreation are now seven points clear at the Magna Dorset Premier League summit after winning 7-2 at Wincanton Town.

Mike Notley netted a hat-trick, while Dan Blackburn, Jamie Moores, Mark Dykes and Jimmy Osborne were also on target.

Poole Borough did the league leaders a huge favour by salvaging a 2-2 draw against second-placed Weymouth in injury time.

Joe Toghill fired the Terras into a 2-0 lead, but strikes from Phil Ross and John Bates rescued the Hornets a point.

Holt United racked up a 4-2 triumph at Sturminster Marshall.

Steve Gilbert and Tom Willis struck, before a Sean Gallagher brace gave the Bulls a 4-0 advantage at the break.

Luke Geddes and Matthew Jones replied, but Marshall were unable to peg Holt back.

A Paul Mitchell penalty and one from Matt Newbery were enough to seal Parley Sports a 2-1 win at home to Bridport.

Despite a brace from James Antell, Cranborne suffered a 3-2 loss away to Portland United.

Hamworthy United went down 6-3 at Sherborne Town. Mark Jackson notched two for the Hammers, including a penalty, and Luke Phillips also struck.

Stefan Penny netted for Merley Cobham Sports as they lost 4-1 at Westland Sports, while Stuart Freer’s goal failed to save Sturminster Newton from a 3-1 defeat at home to Chickerell.