STURMINSTER NEWTON UNITED 2

DORCHESTER SPORTS 1

DORCHESTER Sports were left shellshocked as Sturminster Newton claimed a gutsy 2-1 victory – their first in the Dorset Premier League this season – in a gripping game at Barnet’s Field.

The three points also got the Cherries off the mark for the campaign, having sustained 12 consecutive losses prior to beating Sports.

Ashley James’ men started the brighter of the two sides and were unlucky not to go in front when Joel Hewitt missed an open goal after 25 minutes.

Hewitt’s error did not turn the momentum of the game and Jason Read was on hand to cross for Jamie West, the prolific striker netting with a simple tap-in to give Sports the lead.

Debutant goalkeeper Josh Lucas, in for injured gloveman Antony Frost, had to be alert to make a flying stop before half-time to preserve the visitors’ lead.

But the Cherries immediately drew level after the restart when substitute Ollie Gittins assisted Jack Bailey to equalise, before Gittins himself grabbed a goal as the hosts turned the match on its head within three minutes.

Sports peppered the Cherries’ goal in the closing stages but the home team fought admirably to seal a coveted win.

Speaking to Echosport, boss James cut a despondent figure.

He said: “It was a disappointing afternoon with two quick goals, both mistakes. It’s ended up costing us the game again.

“We can’t seem to get rid of these silly mistakes and they’re costing us dear.

“We were in complete control and after that they defended for their lives and we didn’t have the answers to break them down.

“You could tell they hadn’t got a win all season, it was heroic. They just wanted it. We could’ve been there for the rest of the afternoon and I don’t think we would have scored because they were so focused on getting the three points after they took the lead.

“Fair play to them, they got their two goals, defended well and they deserved the win.

“They’re not as bad as their points tally shows but we let ourselves down again and paid the price.

“We’ve just got to dust ourselves down now and try and pick ourselves up.”

Dorchester Sports visit Bridport Reserves on Saturday (3pm).

Sports: Lucas, A Gould (J Steele 63), Read, Thomas, Hill, Will, Amor (A Steele 63), Hewitt, Ross, Quinton (Rawlings 55), West