BALTI HOUSE 2 CHICKERELL UNITED 3 (aet)

STEVE Coward described his side’s victory over Balti House as a “classic derby and cup tie” as Chickerell United booked their place in the last eight of the Dorset Senior Trophy.

The visitors came from behind twice after Ricky Lane struck a double for Balti at Weymouth College, thanks to goals from Pete Jarvis and a screamer from Steve Welch which deadlocked the sides at 2-2.

And in the second period of extra time, Chucky Taylor, only drafted into the squad a few weeks ago by Coward, came up with the winner to send the Chickens delirious, and set up a quarter-final clash with Okeford United, who overcame Dorchester sports 3-2 to progress.

Commenting on his troops’ victory, Coward told Echosport: “It was a classic derby and cup tie. It was hard to watch as a manager but really good for the neutral I’d imagine. For 120 minutes it was just a constant battle.

“Both teams need commending though, the weather was awful but they just kept on going, a couple of the lads could barely walk after the game, they were physically shattered.”

And having overcome the Dorset Senior League’s leaders, the only side to have beaten Chickerell in any competition so far this term, Coward insists there is no reason the Chickens cannot go all the way in the Trophy. He added: “To be quite honest I would have said Balti were one of the best sides in this cup.

“They had a few missing against us but the players they brought in were still quality, beating them was a big boost but there are still some decent teams in it, we just have to take each game as it comes.“

Chickens: Boore, Newnham (L Taylor 80), Burton, Miles, Charles, Churchill (D Welch 60), Jarvis, Rawlings (Brown 70), S Welch, C Taylor, White

Elsewhere in the Trophy, a waterlogged pitch prevented Bridport Reserves and Piddletrenthide Spartans locking horns at St Mary’s Field.

Blandford United’s scheduled Dorset Premier League encounter was also washed out, but the Royals have confirmed the signing of Merley Cobham Sports’ midfielder Luke Phillips.