Dot gunning for Bar

PREMIERSHIP mid-table outfit the Dorothy will be aiming to close out the month unbeaten tomorrow when they face a much-improved Bar 314 at the Marsh with just Paul Aston (ankle) unavailable (10.30am).

Last weekend the Dot overcame Galaxy Windows by a single goal at the Grove in the only Carpets Direct Weymouth Sunday League game to beat the weather.

The hosts enjoyed the lion’s share of possession with the wind at their backs in the first period and they should have taken the lead on the half -hour when Wayne Gifford was forced to block at Dan Sidwell’s feet.

From the rebound the keeper was well positioned to gather Sanchez Baker’s follow-up.

Soon though it was the Dot who were on the front foot and they found the breakthrough with a goal fit to win any game.

Josh Burton released Kevin Seal on the wing and from his pinpoint centre, Ricky Lane acrobatically beat Pete Cowne with a bicycle kick that found the top corner.

After the break it was the visitors who took advantage of the wind with a wave of attacks but all too often they found no way past an inspired Cowne.

The most notable instance was when Cowne denied Carl McClements with a top-drawer save at the back post.

Later on, Ben Stanton’s low drive looked destined for the net only for Cowne to tip the ball wide at full stretch before the chances dried up and the Dot settled for a 1-0 victory.

On tomorrow’s encounter, player-boss Gifford said: “We beat Bar 8-0 on the opening day but that was the only game where we took all of our chances.

“I’m sure it will be totally different this time as they are a much-improved outfit having collected nine points since then.

“But we’ve put a little run together lately and, what with the players we have available, I’m confident we won’t let ourselves down.”

As for Bar they will no doubt be looking to avenge that early season humiliation but are without James Vincent and Ryan Entwhistle, who are on holiday.

Matt Palmer (ankle) is unlikely to feature again this side of Christmas while the club are sweating on the fitness of key striker Bryn Lewis who has been struggling with an Achilles’ injury.

Meanwhile, both FC WindowMan and Rodwell look set to field weakened sides when the Premiership’s top two meet at the Marsh in the morning.

Second-placed Rodwell will be hoping to close the gap to just a single point with victory over leaders WindowMan, but they will have to do it without influential goalkeeper and captain Anthony Mauger.

Also missing will be injured pair Dan Campbell-Bell and Steve Coombs while Adam Laing, Phil Anderson and Karl Petford all face fitness checks.

However, the Rodwellers are sure to be buoyed with the news that WindowMan themselves will be without a number of their biggest names as Ryan Loader serves the final game of a ban while both Phil Lee and Matt Brown are away on holiday.

The better news for the table-toppers is that Martin Masson and Sean Stewart are available while hopes are high that Gavin Daniels could debut for the club.

If the Rodwell fail in their attempts to bring the leaders’ unbeaten run to a halt then the Britannia will be looking to cash in with victory over the Chapelhay at the Marsh.

If the game goes ahead it will be the Brit’s first league action of the month and the Portlanders are sure to be favourites after hitting the top-flight new boys for six in a season-opener.

However, the Chapelhay have since found their feet at the higher level and, like Bar 314, have amassed nine points since that baptism of fire.

The Brit report a near full-strength squad will be available, although they are sweating on the fitness of stalwarts Ben Milton and Jordan Bowler.

Finally at the Grove, Galaxy Windows meet Tuatara for the second time this term looking to avenge their bruising 6-1 reverse on their Premiership bow.

Assistant-boss Richie Limm takes charge in place of Kev Prince while Bobby Jones will be donning the captain’s armband for the islanders in this important clash.

Another notable absentee for the hosts will be keeper Cowne, who starred in the 1-0 defeat to the Dot last week.

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