OKEFORD UNITED 2 WEYMOUTH SPORTS 2

WEYMOUTH Sports made an encouraging start in the Dorset Senior League despite dropping a two-goal lead at Okeford United.

The Cranford Avenue outfit took the lead through a stunning strike from Sam Culpin and when Ed Bastick doubled the advantage it looked like they were heading for all three points.

However, Shaun Bessant then gave away a penalty, allowing Oli Chaffey to close the deficit, before Rocky Frampton forced home a leveller in the closing stages to snatch the hosts what at one stage seemed an unlikely draw.

Sports’ joint-boss Chris Hicks said: “It was frustrating to only come away with a draw in the end but the attitude was spot on and we played some great stuff so we cannot be too disappointed.

“We looked comfortable for the majority of the game and had the ball in the net after just five minutes when Mike Sonner put through Jelami Miles-Bell who tucked it home, only for their linesman to flag him offside.

“That was a little unfortunate but we eventually got the goal we deserved when Sam fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner from the edge of the box about midway through the half. That gave us the lead at the break but it could and probably should have been more.

“We then came out in the second half and carried on from where we had left off, but as the game wore on we began to tire in the hot conditions.

“We managed to get a second when Ed dinked the ball over the keeper after another fine ball from Mike but then a moment of madness at the other end saw Shaun lunge in on one of their players and give away a needless penalty, which they converted.

“That got Okeford’s tails up and although we dealt pretty well with the pressure they exerted on us they ended up getting an equaliser after a harsh free-kick was given against Jake Faulkner.

“The ball was put into the box and one of their lads had a shot which unfortunately deflected off my shoulder and flew into the opposite corner of the net, giving Matt Dunlop absolutely no chance.

“It was a disappointing way for the game to end but there were certainly a lot of positives out there and I was particularly impressed with Mike and Ed, who were threats throughout.”

Next up for Sports is a home clash against Blandford United Reserves on Saturday (3pm).

Sports: Dunlop, Stroud, Faulkner, Bessant, Hicks, Miles-Bell (Thomas 60), Walker, Dixon (W Sonner 75), Culpin, Bastick (Green 80), M Sonner. Subs not used: Austin, Windust.

Advoco Man of the Match: Ed Bastick