MAIDEN NEWTON & CATTISTOCK 2

BEAMINSTER 1

BEAMINSTER lost their season-opening Dorset League Division One clash 2-1 away to Maiden Newton & Cattistock.

The Stags got off to a flying start thanks to early Connor Haime and Carl Hopkins goals in the opening quarter of an hour.

Beaminster responded when Russell Legg saw a close-range effort well saved by Lee Cuff and shortly before half-time Beaminster pulled a goal back.

Precise passing in midfield unlocked the door allowing Robin Jones to set up Noah House who opened his account for the season with a well struck shot for 2-1.

READ MORE: Ex-Beaminster boss Neil Holt joins AFC Colyton

In the second half, Charlie Pomeroy came off the bench and was denied by another fine save from Stags’ goalkeeper Cuff.

Noah House, Adam Gale and Jacob Parsons also had attempts in the closing stages which were either saved or off target.

Whilst Beaminster pushed forward, Rainbows' keeper Archie Kershaw made two brilliant one-on-one saves.

Speaking to Beaminster’s media team, boss Murray Legg said: “(I’m) really disappointed with the way we started the game.

“Once we made the task even more difficult for ourselves, we seemed to relax and grew into the match.

“We did create chances and had large spells of possession but we didn’t use the ball efficiently enough in the second half.

“The pace of play was frustrating but Maiden Newton & Cattistock did what they needed to manage the game and take the three points.

“We now need to show some character this weekend at home and put in a performance that our pre-season efforts deserve.”

Beaminster host Sturminster Newton United Reserves on Saturday (3pm) at the Memorial Ground.

OCD Cleaning Services man of the match: Paul Hill.