BALTI SPORTS 4 BLANDFORD UNITED 1

BALTI Sports picked up their fifth win in six Dorset Premier League outings this season to remain level on points with Shaftesbury Town and Merley Cobham Sports at the top of the table.

The hosts actually went behind on 19 minutes but a Ricky Lane brace and strikes from Ethan Devaney and Sammy Nichols saw them recover to make it three victories on the spin.

And what made the home side’s triumph even more impressive was that they were missing a number of squad members, including player-manager Marco Nott, who were attending a wedding.

Assistant boss Chris Hicks took charge of the team for the day and was pleased to see that even without several first-team regulars Balti’s performance did not suffer.

“The lads played well again and it was fairly comfortable,” said Hicks. “Blandford weren’t that great but we played some nice stuff in fits and starts.

“We started a little bit slowly and it was disappointing to concede a needless free-kick on the edge of the box from which they opened the scoring.

“But credit to our lads, their attitude was great, and although they went behind they didn’t let it affect them.

“We got two goals before half-time and then a couple more in the second half.

“We had the best part of eight or nine players missing for the wedding but we still had a very strong starting XI and bench.”

After going behind, Balti got on level terms when Lane turned in Ashley Batchelor’s cross and then Devaney made it 2-1 following more good play from Batchelor.

Lane finished off a good team move for 3-1 and Nichols put the icing on the cake with a fourth from 20 yards.

Since arriving at Cranford Avenue this summer, Hicks has been impressed with the way Balti have started their debut season in the Dorset Premier League.

“It’s going to be a tough, long season but we are pleased with how it has gone so far,” he added.

“We have played some excellent stuff and I’m just glad I don’t have to play against this team.

“We’ve got a strong squad and should have several players coming back from injury and unavailability for the next game.”

Balti sit second in the table on goal difference and host Swanage Town & Herston in their next match this Saturday.

Also in September, Balti entertain South Cheriton and go to Mere and Hamworthy Rec.

Balti: Coltart, Walker, Anderson (Andrews 80), Burton, Pearce, Batchelor, Litherland, Nichols, Lock (Grattidge 80), Devaney, Lane