BEAMINSTER 1

PARLEY 1

MUCH-CHANGED Beaminster were held to a 1-1 draw in a tight encounter with Parley in Dorset League Division One.

Murray Legg’s men struggled with unavailability this week but nevertheless carved out numerous chances.

Jake Rowland, Robin Jones, Jacob Parsons and Isaac House all hit the target without troubling the Parley goalkeeper in the opening third of the match.

However, Beaminster seized the initiative on the half-hour mark when a through ball from Russell Legg was finished off by House, who skirted the ball around the keeper and finished for his fifth goal of the season.

Parley had little to shout about in the first half and Beaminster threatened to extend their lead in the second half when Jones and House both hit the bar.

READ MORE: Milborne Port 3-2 Beaminster - report

Parley opted for a more direct style of football and from a long ball goalkeeper Archie Kershaw did brilliantly to save an opportunity at point-blank range only to concede a penalty.

Beaminster voiced their frustration at the decision but Parley’s Kane Daysh ignored the protests and beat Kershaw to equalise.

The Rainbows pushed for the winner but could not force another clear chance as the sides were forced to settle for a point.

Speaking to Beaminster’s media team, boss Murray Legg said: “The effort this week was faultless.

“We played some really nice football, created chances and contained Parley’s main threat.

“It was a luckless afternoon where nothing went for us. I still wouldn’t be able to explain some of the decisions.

“Jacob Parsons and Russell Legg were superb in the middle of the park and the defence was brilliant; a calm, solid display.

“We now look ahead to next week, hopeful of players returning from injury. Maiden Newton (at home) will be a tough game but one our squad is looking forward to.”

The result leaves Beaminster in fourth place after six games, trailing leaders Mere by three points ahead of hosting Maiden Newton on Saturday (3pm).

Elsewhere, eighth-placed Beaminster Reserves beat Longfleet 2-1 away in Division Five thanks to goals from Callum Flawn and Merry Allen.

Rainbows: Kershaw, Strelley, Lowden, Angel, Sweetman, R Legg, Parsons, Jones, I House, Rowland, Kingston. Sub used: Dolan. Subs not used: Gudge, Tolman, M Legg.

OCD Cleaning Services Beaminster man of the match: Jacob Parsons.