Under-16

GLOUCESTERSHIRE 3 DORSET 2

DORSET’S youngsters suffered a narrow defeat at Almondsbury in the Pro-Direct South & West Counties Championship.

With a strong cross-wind constantly blowing light rain across the pitch throughout the 80 minutes, both teams did well to string passes of any substance together.

Gloucestershire started the better of the sides and Tom Harrison was unlucky for the hosts when his shot hit the top of the crossbar after 24 minutes.

Two minutes later, Charlie Ryan had Dorset’s first shot at goal following good work by debutant Matt West.

Gloucestershire’s early pressure paid off on the half hour when a long free-kick into the Dorset penalty area fell to the feet of Shell Bennington Maners who made no mistake from close range.

Billy Mitchell struck the bar for the visitors on 33 minutes, however, Gloucestershire increased their advantage seven minutes later when a 30-yard shot from Rays Sarson caught the wind and deceived Cameron Harvey in the Dorset goal.

Going in at the break two down, Dorset’s task was made even harder two minutes after the resumption when Bennington Maner’s fleet-footed through a static Dorset defence to give Gloucestershire a three-goal advantage.

Dorset substitute Billy Brumble made a huge impact when he joined the second-half action.

Having seen a lobbed effort cleared off the Gloucestershire line seven minutes into the second half, he then pulled a goal back for the visitors with a well-drilled shot from just inside the area.

Dorset now gained confidence and controlled far more possession in the Gloucestershire half.

Mathew West got Dorset’s second with 12 minutes remaining from the penalty spot, this spurred Dorset into a period of sustained pressure.

Captain Dane James went close in the closing stages and another shot went inches wide of a post, but time eventually ran out as Gloucestershire secured the three points.

Dorset: Atkins (Shaftesbury Rockies), Bowditch (Bridport Youth), Brumble (Dorchester Town), Dennett (Corfe Mullen United Juniors), Dobson (Corfe Mullen United Juniors), Garbutt (Weymouth), Hankin (Weymouth), Harvey (BCW Saints), Holding (Corfe Mullen United Juniors), Hyde (Bridport Youth), James (Dorchester Town/Corfe Mullen United Juniors), Mitchell (Weymouth), Muir (Weymouth), Ryan (Corfe Mullen United Juniors), Spring (Dorchester Town), West (Weymouth)