DORCHESTER TOWN RESERVES 2 SALISBURY CITY 1

Dorchester Town Reserves succeeded where their first team failed as they got the better of their Salisbury rivals.

While the Magpies’ senior squad succumbed to a 4-0 defeat in their top-of-the-table tussle at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium, the second-string ran out 2-1 winners at the Greene King IPA Community Stadium.

And the triumph, watched by South-ampton boss Nigel Adkins, was the reserves’ third on the bounce.

Returning defender Steve Walker headed the home side in front on Tuesday night before Josh Tennant won and converted a second-half spot-kick to double the advantage.

The Whites hit back 15 minutes later and although Dorchester saw Adam Taylor dismissed for alleged dissent, the hosts held on for all three points, much to the delight of assistant-manager Dave Whalley.

He said: “It was a good win and a good performance. We played very well and it’s nice to keep the run going.

“The lads are confident at the moment and when they are confident they play to their full potential, which is what we are looking for.

“Earlier in the season, when we were playing well but not getting the results, you could see confidence was fragile but it’s returning now and the lads are reaping the benefits.”

Whalley was also impressed with the efforts of first-teamers Jon Garcia and Jake Smeeton – the latter captaining the side and playing in an uncustomary central midfield role.

Dave Kiteley’s right-hand man added: “Jake is a good footballer and you could put him anywhere and he would do a decent job for you.

“His fitness is improving and his experience really showed as helped the younger lads throughout the game.

“Jon kept the ball well and looked dangerous going forward. I would say he had his best game so far.”

On the subject of Taylor’s red card, Whalley said: “He allegedly said something to the ref but he is adamant he didn’t, and he is not that type of lad. We will just wait and see what is in the referee’s report.

“The sending off made the result even better because with 15 minutes to go I thought we did very well with only 10 men and we still managed to keep good possession.”

Dorchester Town Reserves travel to AFC Portchester on Wednesday night for their next outing in the Wyvern Premier League.

Magpies: Floyd, Taylor, Kimber, Butcher, S Walker, Smeeton, Garcia, Gape, Tennant, Godfrey, Twyford (Carlile 70). Subs not used: Andrews, Lane.