BASINGSTOKE TOWN 1

Carmichael 25og

DORCHESTER TOWN 1

Rodriguez 73

AARON Rodriguez earned a vital point for Dorchester as they came from behind to draw at Camrose.

The Magpies went into the match having been beaten 2-0 on Saturday by Banbury and on a run of form that has seen them take six points from six matches.

The Magpies made four changes to the squad for the match at Basingstoke introducing two new defenders.

Mohammed Baghdadi from Bristol Rovers in the starting XI and with Gabby Adelowu from Hayes & Yeading on the bench.

Basingstoke made five changes to the side that lost to Frome 1-0 last time.

The Magpies started well when a counter attack had to be cleared by Basingstoke’s new signing Leslie Sackey.

The Magpies defended well but were fortunate when Ben Wright failed to convert at the far post.

The visitors were then presented with an opportunity when given a free-kick on the edge of the box but it was hit over the bar.

Dorchester’s defence was put to the test not long after with the away side forcing a block on the line, however, the Magpies still found themselves behind in the 25th minute.

The ball was put into the box and the home side failed to clear it and the ball found its way into the back of the net via the unlucky Ross Carmichael

The Magpies nearly conceded again as twice a break by the home side broke down with a pass going long.

The Magpies once again escaped from danger as a cross by Sam Smart narrowly avoided Sam Argent at the far post.

Towards the end of the first half, Basingstoke once again went close with Sackey putting the ball in the six-yard box which evaded both of their lurking strikers.

The Magpies made no changes at half-time while Basingstoke took off Artwell and put on Tim Wohfiel.

The second half started brightly for the Magpies as Phil Ormrod forced a save from McAdden and Atkinson went in the book for a late challenge.

The momentum continued as Lowes took on three players before making a shot that deflected into the arms of the home keeper.

Despite this, Weale was forced into action soon, after having to push the ball behind for a corner after a shot from Argent.

The Magpies then took off new signing Baghdadi and replaced him with David Jerrard just after the hour.

This paid off as five minutes later Jerrard provided a great ball to Rodriguez who got away from Wohfiel to fire home.

Basingstoke responded by taking off Sackey for George Bennett.

In the final moments, the Magpies nearly grabbed a second.

McAdden failed to catch the ball but Bowles hit the bar with the follow up as the visitors were forced to settle for a point.

Basingstoke: McAdden, Johnson-Schuster, Sackey (Bennett 73), Atkinson (Collier 60), Hollamby, Demuria, Smart, Kennedy, Wright, Argent, Artwell (Wohfiel 46). Subs not used: Bunting

Magpies: Weale, Egan, Martin, Bowles, Carmichael, Lanahan, Rodriguez, Lowes, Ormrod (Blair 88), Panesar-Dower, Baghdadi (Jerrard 66). Subs not used: Bearwish, Bastick, Adelowo

Attendance: 257