HAMWORTHY RECREATION 2 CHICKERELL UTD 0

MAURICE Welch admitted the better team won after his Chickerell side crashed out of the Magna Dorset Premier League Cup at the quarter-final stage.

Hamworthy Recreation controlled the tie at Magna Road for long periods and deservedly ran out 2-0 winners although the Chickens did have their chances.

Welch told Echosport: “It was a bit disappointing and a little frustrating but they were the better side on the day and we can have no arguments on that front at all.

“They started the better side and had more of the first half without creating too many clear-cut chances.

“Steve Boore made one excellent stop to keep out a header from Jamie Moores but the other three or four were saves you would expect him to make.

“After the break they continued to look sharper and eventually took the lead on 70 minutes when a long goal-kick was knocked on allowing one of their lads to race through and score after we had switched off.

“They deserved that lead, there was no doubt about that, but we then went on to enjoy our best period and could have got back level.

“Josh Why has been superb all season and he had two one-on-ones but unfortunately missed them both.

“They then went on to get a second with virtually the last kick of the game when an attempted clearance fell to one of their lads who did well to put the ball back in. Nick Etherington did try to clear it off the line but could only divert it in off the underside of the crossbar.”

Welch went on to add: “They were a different side to the one we played earlier in the season and looked a lot more like their former selves.

“Not only were they first to everything but I think their extra experience told too.

“We just couldn’t get a foothold in the game and at times our distribution was poor, particularly in the first half.

“In many ways I expected a lot better but that is just football sometimes and all we can do now is get back to concentrating on the league.”

Despite being clearly frustrated by the defeat there were some positives for Welch to build on.

He added: “I thought overall we defended very well.

“Josh Burton, Dan Welch, Steve Welch and Steve Boore all did particularly well at the back and Liam Miles was superb again in the middle of midfield.

“Hamworthy Recreation have always been the measuring stick in this league since I have been involved in it and they proved in this game that they still are, so to run them as close as we did just goes to show we are not too far away.

“There was certainly plenty we could take from it and all we need to do now is sharpen up on one or two things.

“If we are able do that then who knows what the future might bring?”

Gary Vincent and Dan Blackburn were the men on target for Rec, who will now travel to Holt United in the last four on Saturday. The other semi-final tie will see Weymouth Reserves host Portland United.

Chickens: Boore, Butcher, Burton, D Welch (Preece 75), S Welch, Etherington, Miles, Stewart, Peck, Why, Tennant. Sub not used: Beale.