BEMERTON HARLEQUINS RES 0 DORCHESTER RES 2

THE Magpies put the disappointment of their Challenge Cup exit behind them to win for the fifth time in as many outings in the Wyvern Premier League.

Goals from Antony Carlile and Jason Kennard ensured the visitors remain at the top of the table with maximum points going into tonight’s match at New Milton Town (7.45pm).

Boss Dave Kiteley was particularly impressed with the way his side managed the game after taking the lead from the penalty spot inside the first minute.

“It was a very professional performance,” he said. “And we could have made it a lot more comfortable with a few more goals.

“What pleased me the most was the way the lads controlled the game after they went 1-0 up early on, because it could have gone either way at that stage.

“We didn’t play too well in the final third during the first half but I was really impressed with our second-half display.

“We upped the tempo after half time and dominated the whole of the second half. “We would have liked to have made it a bit easier for ourselves but it was still a very pleasing performance.”

Jack Twyford was brought down in the Bemerton box for Carlile to convert from the spot with just a minute on the clock.

Alex Godfrey and Kennard had further chances and at the back keeper Harry Reynolds looked assured under the high ball.

Some good play between Twyford and Sam Smith saw Dan Way go close, Kennard shaved a post and then Twyford smashed a shot against the bar as Dorchester bossed proceedings.

The lead was doubled midway through the second half when Way turned the Bemerton back four and Kennard used his electric pace to surge clear and bury the ball into the net.

Not long after that Reynolds was on his toes to save well and that was about as close as the hosts got to beating the county town keeper.

“We didn’t match Locks Heath physically in the cup but I was pleased with the way we stepped up to the plate in that area on Saturday,” added Kiteley.

“We’ve got some very talented footballers in the reserves and with that extra physicality we played them off the park, and it was also great to see Harry Reynolds, who is only 16, have a good game in goal.”

The only downside for Kiteley was a hamstring injury for Twyford which forced him off after just 25 minutes.

Magpies: Reynolds, Smith, Carlile, Michie, Rolls, Way, Kennard, Gape, Vallier, Godfrey, Twyford (Oliver 25). Subs not used: Bathey, Gwenzi