BEDWORTH UNITED 1

DORCHESTER TOWN 0

IT WAS another frustrating afternoon for Dorchester as Bedworth’s Nathan McGarrity scored the only goal of the game at the Oval Ground.

After a defensive mix-up, McGarrity was given plenty of time to slot the ball home 10 minutes into the second half.

Nathan Walker had the best chance for the away side 10 minutes after the deadlock was broken, but he could only find the keeper when well placed.

The result ends the Magpies’ three-match unbeaten run on the road and sees them now winless in three games with two games to go this season.

Mark Jermyn hinted he would rotate his squad after last week’s defeat to Redditch United and gave himself a rest on his birthday as well as taking out Oakley Hanger from the starting line-up.

In came Charlie Davis and Ben Watson to bring more of an attacking verve to the side.

The Magpies were able to produce some crisp passing football on Bedworth’s 3G surface in the opening exchanges.

However, both sides struggled to dominate the game in the first half.

Bradley Tarbuck made himself a nuisance, putting huge pressure on the Bedworth defenders, but the sides cancelled each other out in the first period with neither able to create any real chances.

Davis had a shot saved while Luke Holmes and Ben Watson all had half chances but none of them could capitalise on their opportunities as the first half ended goalless.

Bedworth, who needed a win to keep their hopes of survival alive, came out after the break with renewed vigour.

After having a penalty claim waved away they, broke the deadlock in the 56th minute.

Two Magpies’ defenders collided in the box, allowing McGarrity to have a clear chance at goal.

He took his time and clinically slotted the ball past AlanWalker-Harris for just his second goal of the season.

Dorchester had remained unbeaten on the road in their last three games and captain Walker tried to pull his team-mates back into the game.

He found himself one-on-one with the Bedworth stopper but he could only hit his shot from the edge of the box straight at James Martin.

After the chance, Hanger came on for AFC Bournemouth loanee Ben Walker, as the manager looked for some more defensive solidity as his side went in search of an equaliser.

With little working and with time running out, the manager made two more changes. Luke Holmes and Chris Dillon were replaced by Simon Proffitt and Jason Brookes.

Bedworth frustrated the Magpies all afternoon and they continued to play stubborn football as the game headed towards the end.

Dorchester are back in action on Tuesday against Stratford Town as the county town side look to salvage something from their run-in and hope to build momentum going into the next campaign.

Magpies: Walker-Harris, B Walker (Hanger 65), Martin, Clark, Lander, Dillon (Proffitt 76), Davis, L Holmes (Brookes 76), N Walker, Watson, Tarbuck. Subs not used: Jermyn, Crittenden

Attendance: 145