CHICKERELL UNITED 1

BEAMINSTER 2

BEAMINSTER earned their first Dorset Senior League victory of the season, beating Chickerell United 2-1 at The Stalls.

Three points helps bottom side the Rainbows close the gap on Dorchester Sports Reserves to four points with the Memorial Ground outfit possessing a game in hand.

The victory was their first after 13 attempts.

New signing John Kingston and Owain Davis led the line for the Rainbows, who began kicking up the infamous Chickerell slope.

Both players had chances but failed to convert until the visitors got the breakthrough from a corner.

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Ryan Leader swung in the delivery and Russell Legg stooped with a brave header to make it 1-0.

Kingston had a goal ruled out for offside but with Chickerell now finding their feet the equaliser came thanks to a long ball over the top as Nick Etherington got in between the Beaminster centre-backs and nudged past keeper Murray Legg for 1-1.

Davis and Adam Gale missed chances for Beaminster before good work from Jake Rowland and poor defending allowed Davis to turn the ball home.

Chickerell mounted big pressure in the second half only to be met by the tough-tackling Ryan Sweetman supported by Harry Angel, who won several headers and produced fine challenges to help keep the opposition at bay.

Goalkeeper Legg also produced a string of important saves, including a stop down to his right from a devilish Chickerell free-kick that was destined for the bottom corner.

Despite creating numerous chances, neither side could add to their tally as Beaminster booked a precious three points.

Speaking to Beaminster’s media team, manager Neil Holt said: “I’m really made up for the lads and they deserve the win.

“The attitude in the camp has been spot on from the start of the season and the boys continue to work hard in games and training.

“The top two chased everything all game and didn’t let Chickerell rest at all, but special mention to John who ran himself into the ground.”

Rainbows: M Legg, Sweetman, Angel, Chant, Gale, Leader, Pattemore, Rowland, Davis, Kingston, R Legg. Subs: Parsons, I House.