GILLINGHAM TOWN 2

DORCHESTER SPORTS 1

FORMER Weymouth man Aaron Rodriguez scored a late double for Gillingham Town to condemn Dorchester Sports to a 2-1 defeat in the Dorset Premier League.

Jamie Quinton had handed Sports a lead in the 60th minute, but Gillingham were able to turn it around late on through Rodriguez.

The home side also had Buddy O’Shea sent off after a melee during the second half.

Sports had a superb game, and created numerous chances, but were only able to tuck away Quinton’s effort.

Quinton’s goal came about when a shot came into the Gillingham box, and he was able to pounce when the ball was not cleared.

Rodriguez levelled 10 minutes later, when a long ball over the top of the Sports’ defence saw him race through and take the ball past goalkeeper Sean Lillington and fire in.

A melee then ensured which saw O’Shea dismissed for the home side.

After 80 minutes, a ball in the Sports’ box was not dealt with and a cut back was met by Rodriguez to hand Gillingham a late lead.

It would be one they would not relinquish, with the full time score 2-1 to Gillingham.

Sports boss Ashley James told Echosport: “I am gutted, I am absolutely gutted. Obviously I don’t want to make up excuses but we went without nine first-team players, it was a really difficult afternoon for us. We knew it was going to be tough.”

Sports travel to Swanage Town & Herston in the FA Vase First Qualifying Round on Saturday (3pm).

Sports: Lillington, W Gould, A Gould (Bagg 80), Thomas, Hill, Wash, Will, Samways, Lowes, Rawlings (Harvey 70), Quinton (Steele 80)