BALTI SPORTS 2

WESTLAND SPORTS 3

BALTI Sports sustained a fourth loss on the spin after Westland Sports pulled off a dramatic late comeback to take a 3-2 victory from their closely-fought Dorset Premier League contest at Weymouth College.

Sports took the lead when promising centre-back Darren Harding nudged home a tap-in following defensive uncertainty from Westland when defending a corner.

Westland responded to equalise just before half-time but Balti retook the lead after the break courtesy of a magnificent finish from substitute Sammy Nichols.

The midfielder, on for new signing Chris Reader, smashed a long-range effort first time into the net following a mis-kick from the Westland goalkeeper.

The visitors remained a threat on the break and equalised in controversial circumstances.

Balti thought they had won a corner, with the linesman flagging for the set-piece only to be overruled by the referee.

From the resultant goal-kick, Westland stormed upfield and played in substitute Alex Murphy to tuck home.

Worse was to follow for Balti as Simon Proffitt’s poor clearance fell straight to Adam Barratt, the striker rounding gloveman Andy Nott with five minutes remaining to find the empty net and seal all three points.

Balti’s misfortune was compounded when Nott had to play on with an elbow ligament injury that is expected to keep him out for up to a month.

Speaking to Echosport, manager Marco Nott described the late loss as “gutting”.

He said: “They were a very good side, but we’re kicking ourselves a bit. I’d say they were the dominant team, not really creating a lot of chances. They were a threat on the break but we kept our shape and discipline.

“I was really pleased with the boys. We’re in a situation without Danny (Andrews) and Ricky (Lane) and a lot of defenders are out.

“We’re not going to win the league but I was pleased with how we competed, it was just gutting because they scored with five minutes to go.”

He added: “We are literally without eight to 12 players every week – they’re big players for us.

“Losing the likes of Danny has been really difficult to take but Oscar came in and did a good job and Darren looks accomplished.

“I know we’ve lost four in a row but I take heart from the fact that we’re competing. I’m sure it will turn around pretty soon.”

Nott’s men will aim to return to winning ways away to Wareham Rangers on Saturday (2pm).

Balti: Nott (Dean 85), R Walker, Harding, Proffitt, L Taylor, Reader (Nichols 60), Smith, McClements, S Walker (O’Shaughnessy 75), Devaney, Preece. Sub not used: M Nott

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830990

e: neil.walton

@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @EchoSportNeil