CORFE MULLEN RESERVES 0

PIDDLEHINTON RESERVES 1

PIDDLEHINTON Reserves started 2018 with a victory after overcoming a strong Corfe Mullen Reserves side 1-0 at Corfe Mullen Rec in Dorset League Division Four.

Despite overnight rain, the fixture went ahead with both teams eager to blow away the Christmas break cobwebs.

The early stages of the game were stop-start, with both sides conceding fouls regularly due to the testing conditions.

On the 10 minute mark, the first real chance of the game fell to Piddlehinton, as Lloyd Wilson beat his opposite full-back on the right-hand side before delivering a beautiful cross which was narrowly headed over by Josh Pashon.

As the first-half progressed Piddlehinton began to dominate, attacking regularly down both flanks.

Harry White was unfortunate not to score, as his effort was deflected wide for corner, while Matt Baker was also unfortunate to see his effort bounce back off the woodwork.

But deep into the opening half, Piddlehinton finally got their reward as a smart one-two with Liam Gosney saw George Wilson bear down on goal. Despite the onrushing keeper, Wilson kept his cool and dinked the ball into the top corner, bringing up his seventh goal of the season.

During the second-half, the pitch was seriously suffering from the overnight rain resulting in both sides struggling to keep hold of possession.

In what was an uneventful half, the standout player for Piddlehinton was Ben Brown, who displayed excellent vision with a wide range of successful passes.

The win resulted in Piddlehinton remaining second in the standings, two points behind leaders Verwood but with three games in hand.

The reserves host Portland Town Panthers next week at Thomas Hardye School.