SALISBURY UNDER-21 0

DORCHESTER RES 1

DORCHESTER Reserves have secured a place in the semi-final of the Wyvern Challenge Cup after winning 1-0 against an in-form Salisbury development side.

Rich Robson’s side have had a fine season to date, losing just once match since early November, propelling them up to third in the Wyvern Combination Midweek league and leaving them just one win away from the cup final in May.

Robson boasts an increasing reputation in management, and his achievements to date with the county town reserve side is bound to have turned some heads.

The Magpies will now host either Petersfield Town Reserves or Gosport Borough Under-21s in the last four, with their opposition being decided after tonight’s remaining quarter-final.

A single goal from young forward Olly Balmer was enough to give the visitors the lead, with a strong and organised display being put forward by key players including Simon Proffitt and man of the match goalkeeper Taylor Hibbs, who pulled off a number of fine saves.

Speaking after the game, Robson said he was delighted to progress.

He said: “I’m absolutely chuffed. Salisbury are a good team and not a lot of sides will go to their place and beat them, and to do it twice is real testament to the character of the team and how well they’re doing.

“We really wanted that reaction from last week’s defeat (against Gosport Borough) and the lads went out with some unity, solidity and with a little bit of bite in their performance.

“It probably wasn’t the best defensive display I’ve seen but we kept them out and our goalkeeper had a fantastic game, he stopped at least two clear-cut chances.

“All the lads are delighted to be in the semi-finals and we’ll just see what happens from there.”