BALTI SPORTS 2

DORCHESTER SPORTS 0

A DEPLETED Balti Sports grabbed a great 2-0 win to progress through to the first round of the Dorset Premier League Cup at the expense of Dorchester Sports.

Balti, who had 13 players missing on Saturday through a combination of unavailabilities and injuries, scored early on through Grant Chance and notched a wonderful second goal through a brilliant free-kick by Ethan Devaney.

Chance scored in the first 10 minutes when he pulled a ball down and finished nicely to hand Balti an early lead.

Dorchester Sports threw crosses and free-kicks at Balti but they could not find a breakthrough.

Balti were struggling to create chances at the other end in what was a quiet half despite the derby nature of the match.

The first half ended with Balti 1-0 up and the home side came out firing again in the second half.

Devaney had a fantastic game for Balti, helping them to dominate the midfield.

Devaney capped his fine performance for Balti with a wonderful goal after 55 minutes from a free-kick from 25 yards out which he swung over the wall and into the top corner of the net.

Dorchester tried to respond and Richard Beasley had a one-on-one chance to narrow the scores but Balti manager and goalkeeper Marco Nott did well to save.

Dorchester had free-kicks and corners to try and get back into the match but Balti were dangerous, and Carl McClements hit the post late on for them as Balti claimed the win.

Balti Sports’ boss Nott said: “I think we deserved the win to be honest. In 14 years I have never had that many unavailabilities in one week.

“It was backs against the wall but to be honest we normally step up and play well when it is backs against the wall. We really dug in and put a good performance together.

“I think it was the best I have ever seen Ethan (Devaney) play, it was an outstanding performance from him.”

Contrastingly, Nott’s opposite number Ashley James admitted it had been a dull performance from his charges.

He said: “It’s bitterly disappointing to lose the game. We looked flat – it was dull.

“Going forward I’ve never seen us as poor. It’s a game where you don’t want to see that happen. It’s back to the drawing board for Blandford.”

James’ men host Blandford while Balti visit Holt on Saturday (both 3pm).

Balti: M Nott, O’Sheanasay, Roberts, Dovell, Walker, Devaney, Nichols, McClements, Andrews, Taylor, Chance (Drummond 60) Subs not used: Hicks

CONTACT US:

t: 01305 830990

e: sport

@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @Dorsetechosport