BALTI SPORTS 2

BLANDFORD UNITED 2

BALTI Sports twice came back from a goal down to deny Blandford United victory in their Dorset Premier League contest at Weymouth College.

United took the lead when Taylor Pike beat a hesitant Andy Nott to a long ball over the top to lob the Balti keeper after 20 minutes.

On the half-hour, Balti were awarded a penalty when Danny Andrews was felled in the box, presenting Ricky Lane with a chance to convert from the spot, which he dispatched into the side of the net, for 1-1.

After half-time, the Royals once more took the lead as Balti failed to defend a corner, allowing Luke Pidgley to rise highest and nod home.

But Marco Nott’s men remained patient and got their reward on 75 minutes when Andrews cut in from the right to supply Ethan Devaney, who finished into the top corner after arriving late into the box.

Speaking to Echosport, manager Marco Nott felt Balti had “sulked around” after searching for a positive response to Wednesday’s 3-0 loss to rivals Dorchester Sports.

He said: “It was very disappointing, a backlash from Wednesday night. I wanted a reaction and we sulked around, the whole game seemed to go by.

“They went in with their heads down, which was disappointing. It was a bit of a scruffy game, difficult to gain any momentum.

“It was good character from the lads to not lose that game, but it was a game I felt we should have won.”

Balti visit Bridport Reserves tomorrow (7.45pm), and Nott is aiming to “bounce back”.

He said: “Bridport is a ground I like going to and playing under the lights we should be motivated because it’s a derby as well.

“We’re due a performance and we’re certainly looking to bounce back.”

Charlie Kenderdine, Ross Walker and Sammy Nichols miss out, but Sanchez Baker, Carl McClements and Simon Proffitt return.

Balti: A Nott, R Walker, Burton, Roberts, Nichols (L Taylor 80), Dovell, Dean (Drummond 60), Devaney, Andrews, Lane, Preece (Lock 85)