Magpies suffer cup heartache after extra-time exit (From Dorset Echo)

Magpies suffer cup heartache after extra-time exit

8:28am Friday 21st October 2011 in Match Reports By Ky Capel

DORCHESTER RESERVES 2

GOSPORT RESERVES 3

(after extra-time)

DORCHESTER Town Reserves suffered extra-time heartache in the second round of the Wyvern Combination Challenge Cup – losing out to Gosport with the last kick of the game.

Even more frustrating for the Magpies was the fact they were leading 2-1, and playing against nine men, with just minutes remaining of normal time.

However, a second yellow card resulted in an early bath for skipper Steven Walker and Borough, who had earlier seen a man sent off and another suffer a suspected broken leg after making all three of their substitutions, took the tie to extra-time from the subsequent set-piece.

And just as the match looked to be heading for a penalty shootout, the Wyvern Premier League leaders struck in the dying moments to secure a dramatic victory.

Nonetheless, Magpies’ boss Rob-bie Taylor was pleased with his side’s efforts.

He said: “Even though they are top of our league, we dominated the game, the first half especially. I think they had just one shot in the first half and they scored from it.

“The keeper went to kick it from a goal-kick, but slipped and the ball dropped to their man who scored. It was an unfortunate one but other than that, we dominated.

“We defended really well, which is something we have been doing over the last few games, but a silly sending off, which was totally unnecessary, cost us in the end as they scored their equaliser from the resulting free-kick.

“Credit to Gosport though. They stuck to their task, even though they were down to nine players.”

Dan Austin and summer trialist Seb Broomfield were on target for the hosts, who also fielded first-teamers Neil Martin, Steve Devlin and Nick Crittenden – the latter making his first outing since sustaining a hamstring injury last month.

Taylor added: “Generally it was a positive night and there was a lot to draw from it. The lads have set their stall and proved to themselves what they are capable of.

“They are listening and learning, and putting things into practice in future games.

“It’s just a shame we haven’t got a league game until November 2, as we were starting to build some momentum.”

Magpies: Floyd, Symes, Martin (Carlile 91), Austin, S Walker, Taylor, Crittenden (Godfrey 65), Funnel, Walsh, Broomfield, Devlin (Kimber 65). Subs not used: Goodland, Beals.