BALTI SPORTS 4

SHERBORNE TOWN RES 0

BALTI Sports returned to winning form with a comfortable 4-0 win over Sherborne Town Reserves at Weymouth College in the Dorset Premier League.

Playing against a Zebras’ side that defended stoutly throughout, Balti managed to get the crucial breakthrough in hot conditions when Sammy Nichols latched on to a reverse ball and fired home.

Sherborne continued to frustrate the hosts, but Balti made sure of all three points when Ricky Lane side-footed home from 18 yards, finishing off a fine move.

Ethan Devaney then grabbed a brace as Town tired, his first a carbon copy of Lane’s strike, before Sports’ Danny Andrews saw a header saved, allowing the alert Devaney to slam home the rebound and complete the scoring.

Speaking to Echosport after the victory, Sports’ boss Marco Nott praised his side’s patience.

He said: “We played some excellent stuff. They came to frustrate us, sat back a lot and allowed us to come forward. We played patient football, broke them down and got the vital second goal.

“After that they were exhausted – it was a hot day but we got our rewards.”

Nott also hailed the influence of Devaney, scorer of two goals for Nott’s men, who has enjoyed a superb season for Balti in midfield.

He said: “Ethan was outstanding. His energy in midfield was really good – he’s a key player for us.

“We’re a good side, it’s just we had such a wretched period over the winter it’s unbelievable.

“The way we kept the ball was vital. We did look after it really well. We played from the back and used Andy (Nott) well in goal.

“They were tough to break down but the possession stats must have been high. To their credit hey defended well.

“The patience was good to see because we’ve done that the last couple of games and we did play some really good football.

“We just haven’t been able to sustain it for long periods this year.”

The result handed Balti their fifth win in eight games since a 5-2 win over Bridport Reserves halted their long winless sequence in the league, stretching back to late September.

Nott’s men have just two teams – Sturminster Newton and Westland Sports – left to play.

Balti: A Nott, Nichols, Anderson (Burton 70), Roberts, Pearce, Dovell, Devaney, McClements, Andrews, Lane, Preece (D Taylor 70). Sub not used: M Nott