DORCHESTER SPORTS 0

BLANDFORD UNITED 1

DORCHESTER Sports’ boss Ashley James admitted his side were not quite at the races as they drew a blank in their 1-0 defeat at home against Blandford United.

The county town side are now six points adrift of a spot in the top five in the Dorset Premier League, having suffered defeat to the Royals, who manager James insisted carried out a disciplined game plan.

Reacting after the contest, he told Echosport: “We just didn’t really get going from the off and it was disappointing.

“We lacked a bit of composure in front of goal – we could have been there now and still hadn’t scored.”

Sports’ first-half display was a frustrating one and the away side could have taken an early lead after just one minute. Blandford’s Paul Ford went through one-on-one, only to be denied by Sam Turner, who saved with an outstretched foot.

But the Royals did take the lead on eight minutes when a 30-yard screamer from Craig Metcalfe found the top corner, giving Turner no chance.

Sports had a couple of opportunities which they should have taken but Ashley White and Jordan Butler’s headed efforts were off target from close range.

The second half was much the same as the first for the hosts, with Sports’ lack of composure in front of goal proving costly.

Ford could have put the game to bed for Blandford on a number of occasions but he failed to take any of the chances created.

It was not to matter however, as Blandford stood firm throughout to record their 12th league win of the campaign, meaning James’ side were defeated.

Asked on reflection whether it was a game his side should have got something out of, the Sports’ chief replied: “Not really. We didn’t really create a lot to be fair and just ran out of ideas.

“Our build-up play was poor and our decision making was poor. It was just one of those days.

“Once they got their goal they had a decent game plan.

“They put everyone behind the ball apart from the frontman, who didn’t stop running all game.

“They just said ‘try and break us down’ and we just couldn’t, we just weren’t good enough on the day.

“We let ourselves down a bit.”

Sports: Turner, Heal, Lochrie, Read, Gatehouse, Bagwell, Critchel, Anderson, Beasley (Taylor 70), White (Amor 70), Butler (Brumble 62)