WEYMOUTH RESERVES 1 CHICKERELL UNITED 1

NICK Etherington was Chickerell United’s saviour at the Bob Lucas Stadium – popping up in the dying moments to prevent back-to-back defeats.

Both sides entered the Magna Dorset Premier League derby on the back of opening-day reversals.

And it was Weymouth Reserves who forged ahead in the 80th minute with Luke Winsper heading home a fine cross from Danny Andrews.

But the Terras’ joy was short-lived as the Chickens stole a share of the spoils with virtually the last kick of the night.

United chief Maurice Welch said: “A draw was the right result. It was a great game and both teams put in a lot of effort but the game lacked a playmaker to open it up.

“Nick hit the bar early doors but Ashley Weeks had to make a good save at the other end so it was pretty even and there wasn’t a lot between the two teams.

“We dominated possession but we didn’t really create much. When we got in the last third we didn’t have the imagination to unlock them.

“We’re still getting up to speed though and there were still a few passes going astray. We need a bit of a spark but it’s coming.”

Weymouth’s co-manager Nick Bennett was disappointed to see his young charges denied what would have been an impressive win, but was proud of their efforts nonetheless.

He said: “It was a positive result, a positive performance and it’s onwards and upwards. We just need to take the positives out of every game and keep progressing.

“They had a fair bit of possession but both keepers were rarely tested. We had to work very hard but a real bonus after Saturday’s defeat was seeing Mark Robinson come in and give us a really good shape at the back. We dealt with most of the long stuff and we looked pretty solid.

“They threw everyone forward in the last 10 minutes and scored with virtually the last kick of the game. You could argue there was a foul on our keeper but you win some and you lose some.”

The Chickens host reigning champions Hamworthy Rec this Saturday while the reserves entertain current leaders Swanage Town & Herston.

Terras: Roberts, Holland, Mitchell, Hanger, Robinson, Ironside (Harvey 70), A Skelton, Winsper, Jarvis, Maxted (Sharpe 50), Crouch (Andrews 65). Sub not used: Scott.

Chickens: A Weeks, Henley, Welch, Barrow, Sibley, Carlile, Walbridge, Miles, Hastie (Coles 70), Etherington, B Skelton (Houghton 75). Subs not used: Bickerstaff, L Weeks, Why.