BALTI SPORTS 3

WESTLAND SPORTS 1

BALTI Sports continued their impressive start to the season with a comfortable if not entirely convincing 3-1 win over Westland Sports.

Midfielder Sammy Nichols opened the scoring in the first minute before assisting Ethan Devaney nine minutes later.

Nichols scored again just before half-time but Westland reduced the arrears late on through centre-back Matt Watson to spoil the home side’s clean sheet.

After three wins in three games Balti were in a confident mood and the table-toppers could simply not have wished for a better start.

They took the lead inside 60 seconds as Nichols cut inside off the right wing and fired into the top corner with a delightful curling effort.

It was 2-0 before there was even 10 minutes on the clock. Nichols turned from goalscorer into provider as he found fellow midfielder Devaney, who sent a rasping half-volley into the roof of the net, leaving goalkeeper Sam Watts with no chance.

The hosts continued to boss the game throughout the first half with their slick passing and had chances to extend the lead as the game progressed.

Both Charlie Kenderdine and Ricky Lane spurned chances before Nichols scored his second of the afternoon just before half-time.

He capitalised on a defensive mistake from a free kick to round the keeper and apply the finish.

With an almost unassailable lead heading into the second half, Balti struggled to match the tempo they’d showed in the first.

It allowed the visitors to gain a foothold in the game, and after recording their first shot in anger just after the hour mark, they started to put the pressure on.

First, Matt Mullings found the ball at his feet inside the danger area but fired just wide. They continued to improve and finally got their reward with 12 minutes to go.

A teasing corner from Jamie Green found Watson and he applied a firm header to give the visitors a glimmer of hope.

Even though they made Balti sweat with two more clear-cut chances in the last minute, the home side stayed firm to take all three points.

Balti remain top of the Dorset Premier League, three points clear of Merley Cobham Sports.

Balti: A Nott, Batchelor, Pearce, Burton, Grattidge, Litherland, Lane (Lock, 69), Kenderdine, May (Proffitt 77), Devaney, Nichols (Andrew 56). Subs not used: M Nott, Dean