Hampton & Richmond Borough midfielder Barrie Matthews reckons more shooting practise on the training ground will end a run of three straight defeats.

Boss Alan Devonshire’s injury and suspension hit squad have made a slow start to the new Blue Square South campaign and continued in that vein with a 4-2 defeat at Dover Athletic on Saturday.

Matthews notched his side’s first with a spectacular long distance strike and Orlando Jeffrey headed the second, as the Beavers twice came from behind to level matters at 2-2 before finally succumbing in the final-half hour of the game.

The former Watford trainee revealed extra practise on the training ground was behind his goal and he believes more sharp shooting can prevent a fourth defeat in as many games at Havant & Waterlooville this weekend.

“We don’t really do shooting practise in training, but we did some last week and it paid off for me. I think I’ll be having a word about doing some more if that is what happens,” he said.

“It has been slow start for us, but I don’t think we have been able to name the same starting 11 for two games running. We’ve been chopping and changing around which has an affect.

“It is not for the lack of trying that we are not winning games, we just don’t seem to be getting the rub of the green in the actual games and with the referees.

“I can’t remember the last time we had a run like this and hopefully it won’t continue. We have a good history at Havant and the lads are confident away from home.”

Hampton had looked like securing at least a draw at the league leaders on Saturday until a Nicky Southall free-kick on the hour, set the hosts on their way to claiming all three points.

Dover debutant Andy Pugh claimed the fourth, but Matthews felt the game was lost before then.

“I think the third goal really knocked the stuffing out of us. Our confidence went,” he added.

“We had come back twice before that and maybe we felt doing it again was going to be one step too far.

“There is nothing wrong with our spirit. We just need a bit of luck go our way and we’ll be fine.”

Hampton’s next three games: Sept 19 Havant & Waterlooville (a), 26 Braintree Town (FAC, a), Oct 3 Weymouth (h).