DORCHESTER TOWN 1

KINGS LANGLEY 0

A MOMENT of quality by Jon Vance was enough to secure back-to-back victories for Dorchester Town as they beat Kings Langley 1-0.


The Magpies came into the game on a high following their vital victory on Tuesday night, which saw them pull away from danger with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Hayes & Yeading.


Debutants Phil Ormrod and Jake Mawford were the goalscorers on the day, and provided a much needed boost of quality and physical presence in a crucial encounter, which took the side to within just three points of safety, according the the Magpies' boss.


Craig Laird made just one enforced change for the today's game, with Ollie Griggs replacing Mawford in the centre of midfield, with the latter unavailable for selection. The rest of the team clearly did enough to show the manager that they had the character for such an important game, and Laird will be hoping they can show much of the same for the remainder of the season.


Dorchester looked lively from the start as they looked up for the fight against a struggling Kings Langley side.


The first chance, however, fell to the visitors, with Jerry Amoo using his pace to down the right flank before floating the ball in to striker Lewis Toomey who headed the ball harmlessly over the bar.


The home side looked solid and balanced, with the presence of Ormrod up front causing all sorts of issues for the visiting defence as he looked to win the aerial battle with the central defenders.


Laird's men, although looking confident in possession, struggled to create anything in terms of clear cut chances in the opening 30 minutes, with the only notable opportunity being an Ollie Mehew effort which was charged down following a break from ance.


Vance has really made himself at home in the Magpies' midfield since his arrival, doing the unpleasant tasks needed of a defensive midfielder, while also showing clear ability at driving forward and picking a pass.
Despite a lively opening from the Magpies, it was Kings Langley who looked more likely to get the breakthrough, with Toomey having an effort from 30 yards which flew over the bar.


The game's first shot on target came shortly before half-time, with Kings' winger Kieran Turner driving down the right flank before firing his effort straight at goalkeeper Shane Murphy.


They nearly went close again as Gary Connolly's cross was cleared by Toby Down, before a lofted ball in found Jorell Johnson, who's effort clipped the cross-bar on the stroke of half-time.


After a forgettable first period, the Magpies' fans were hoping for a more entertaining contest as the second-half unfolded.


Once again it was the Kings who looked more likely to get a goal, with Murphy being forced to save at the near post from an Amoo effort.


The game shot to lift, as Tom Blair led a counter attack by running at the heart of the defence, before winning a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area, which midfielder Vance placed perfectly into the top corner of the net to give the Magpies the lead with their first shot on target.


Dorchester looked to retain control, introducing target-man Lewis Powell in place of Mehew in the hope that his ability to hold up play would pay off against a strong looking Kings' defence.


Murphy sprung to life once more on 68 minutes as he reacted to save a deflected effort from six yards, keeping his side in the game against a battling Kings Langley side.


But Dorchester looked lively on the counter as they tried to double their lead, with Blair flying down the left flank, before Powell's effort cannoned off the crossbar.


As the final stages drew near, the belief of opposition Kings Langley seemed to drain as the minutes disappeared on the clock, while the Magpies looked assured as they battled and scrapped to secure the win.


The Magpies nearly put the icing on the cake as Vance caught the keeper off his line, and attempted a precise lob which was cleared off the goal-line by the desperate defending of the relegation candidates.


But Craig Laird will surely be pleased that his side were able to secure such a vital win, in a game which will certainly not live long in the memory.


Magpies: Murphy, Oldring, Martin, Vance, Walker (c), Down, Blair, Griggs, Ormrod (Brookes 90), Mehew (Powell 59), Williams (Davis 70). Subs not used: Mitchell, Ayunga


Kings Langley: Comas, Connolly (Gosling 85), Plowright, Johnson, Tring, Hitchcock, Ward, Bush (Pattison 23), Toomey, Amoo (Waldren 73), Turner. Subs not used: Balogun


Referee: Lee Rutter (Poole)
Attendance: 393