BLANDFORD  0

Dorchester Sports extended their lead at the top of the Dorset Premier League to four points as their impressive season continues.

It was a top of the table clash at the Avenue played in front of a decent crowd of 120 people with both teams looking for a vital win.

Sports were dealt a major blow before kick-off though with Sam Poole pulling out due to illness.

This meant the club’s new signing Shaun Bessant, who joined from Portland, partnered Jack Bennett at the heart of defence.

The game started with both teams battling hard for possession and not wanting to give the other a head start.

It was Blandford who had the better of the opening stages though as the visitors had a number of corners and crosses blocked by Sports’ back line. 

The first real chance of the game saw Elliott Mnason run through one on one but Bennett was quick enough to get back at the last second.

Nick Hutchings then made an unbelievable double save to deny Cameron McMonagle. 

Sports come into the game later in the half and should of gone in to the break ahead when Joel Hewitt found him self in on goal but for a great save from Harry Foden. The rebound fell to Dan Sheehy but he blasted just wide of the post.

Sports continued this attacking approach after half time and were looking a real threat.

Hewitt again was in on goal but this time he played the ball off to Sheehy who this time made no mistake to slot past Foden to give Sports the lead in the 50th minute.

Sports had good chances to double the lead but strikes from Alex Godfrey, Toby Kelly and Dylan Ellis all went wide as the game hung on a knife edge.

Blandford pushed hard but Sports’ back line stayed strong as they had been all game.

Blandford had a corner in the last second but again was headed clear and the whistle went to give Sports a vital win to keep their title hopes alive.

Dorchester Sports manager, Ashley James, was speaking after the win, he said: “It was a brilliant game with both teams really wanting that win, a real good battle. 

“I thought we were excellent, we had to dig deep at times but the lads really stuck to the task. 

“I knew we would get that one good chance and it was a really well worked goal with a brilliant finish from Dan, its a massive result for us and it now sets us up nicely for Holt on Saturday.”