MERE TOWN 1 BLANDFORD UNITED 2

ASHLEY Ayley converted a 75th-minute penalty to give Blandford their second win of the season against Mere.

The Royals were missing a few first team players but Bradley Pike and Henry Akinsuyi returned to the squad, while Shane Haim made his senior debut.

Blandford keeper Alex Dickinson commanded his area superbly in the early stages as the visitors came under pressure.

But it was the Royals who took the lead shortly before half-time when Luke Pidgley, Ayley and Paul Ford combined to set up Mark Ford and he made it 1-0.

The second half got off to a scrappy start before the hosts equalised five minutes in.

A defensive mix-up led to the ball not being cleared and Jordan Collins had an easy finish.

Blandford then suffered further disruption as Ryan Reeves went off injured and was replaced by Akinsuyi.

But this, along with the equalising goal, seemed to galvanise Bradley Asagba’s men and they began to control the game.

Chances were created through great link-up play between Akinsuyi, Pidgley and Ayley, while Jack Jones became a threat out wide.

Then, with 15 minutes left, Pidgley released Mark Ford and he was hacked down by the Mere full-back, leaving the referee no choice other than to award a penalty.

Ayley converted in style to give Blandford the lead for a second time.

Blandford created further chances to make the scoreline more comfortable but Paul and Mark Ford were unable to take them.

“It wasn’t our best performance in terms of quality or organisation but I am going to put it down to the conditions,” said Asagba.

“Even though it wasn’t wet I would go as far as to say it was unplayable and it wasn’t until we got the team in at half-time that we came to terms with it.

“Mere obviously play the environment very well and we just couldn’t impose ourselves on the game.

“However, after we adjusted things slightly at half-time we began to play, and although we were still a bit off what I would normally expect we caused them problems.

“But the impressive thing is we won, we did it the ugly way, and showed some real resolve to win the match and answer a few questions about our character.

“Better teams than us have been turned over up there and it’s easy to see why, but I am absolutely delighted with the win and character shown by the squad.

“And this gives us a nice platform to prepare for a huge derby against Sturminster Marshall.”

Blandford: Dickinson, Reeves (Akinsuyi), Oliver, Boulton, Jones, Vater, Manson, P Ford (Haim), Pidgley, M Ford, Ayley.

*BLANDFORD United Youth Under-14s entertain Arsenal Elite Under-14s at home on Saturday (11am). The game will be held on the main pitch next to the leisure centre and everyone is welcome.