Under-10 Dorset Cup Final

WEYMOUTH 1 BLANDFORD 0

GEORGE Stuttle’s second-half strike sealed the Dorset Cup for Weymouth Youth in a hard-fought final against Blandford.

On a bitterly cold afternoon, Weymouth found their stride early on and striker Cody Sparrow was a constant threat. Only a magnificent save from the Blandford keeper kept the scores level.

Sparrow soon turned provider when he found midfielder Lewis Adams who shot agonisingly wide with only the keeper to beat.

Blandford posed a threat on the break but resolute defending by Travis Reynolds and Tom Lydford made sure their attacks were snuffed out.

Weymouth captain George Carter had a shot blocked when found by Ethan Carter before Blandford carved out their best chance but Harry Rupp was able to save a rather tame effort.

In final moments of the half Sparrow again played a ball into Adams’s path but unfortunately his shot hit the outside of the post.

The second half saw Weymouth change their whole outfield team and they enjoyed the majority of the play while Blandford still posed a threat on the break.

This time it was Leo Young and Ollie James who marshalled the Weymouth defence with Archie Woolford a threat on the right.

His pace and trickery carved out some excellent chances and it was from one such weaving run that Weymouth finally broke the deadlock.

After his initial shot had been saved, Woolford coolly pulled the ball back across the Blandford box for the onrushing Stuttle, who had also taken over the captain’s armband, to slam the ball home.

Weymouth had chances to extend their lead when Woolford, Louis Gear and Charlie Mussendon saw shots saved while at the other end Rupp was relieved to see a Blandford attempt go just wide as the Terras held on.

With Weymouth leading their division by 14 points it now looks like the team could complete a league and cup double this season.

“We decided to play all the squad in the final knowing that everyone was capable of playing a part in a victory,” said a team spokesperson. “All 13 are a delight to work with and a credit to the club. We would also like to thank the players and their parents for their continued support in developing this team.”