PARLEY SPORTS 2

DORCHESTER SPORTS 2

DORCHESTER Sports earned a much-needed point at Parley Sports with a 2-2 draw in the Dorset Premier League.

However, Sports could have taken more from the game but for passing up several second-half chances as both teams settled for a point.

Both Parley and Ashley James’ men had lost their last two league games and were desperate to put an end to their negative sequences of form.

Consequently, the first half did not disappoint with the game quickly becoming end-to-end.

Ryan Ross opened the scoring for the visitors when a mix-up in the Parley box gave the front man an easy tap-in, but Parley bounced back and a corner was flicked on to Cameron Shaw at the back post to level.

Sports regained the lead on 30 minutes when Jamie Samways fired past Taylor Hibbs from 20 yards.

James’ troops dug deep to try and preserve their advantage into half-time but were dealt a bitter blow in added time when two misplaced passes and a goalmouth scramble led to Ben Bosley tucking past Antony Frost with the last kick of the half.

The second half promised great entertainment and despite chances for both teams, heroic defending and some astute goalkeeping prevented any further goals.

Speaking to Echosport after the draw, which came after Sports suffered an 8-1 drubbing at the hands of leaders Hamworthy Recreation last week, James admitted he would have taken a point pre-match had he been offered one.

He said: “It was vital that we got something from the game. It was an improved performance – a bit of a shame that we didn’t take all three points because we had enough chances.

“I think if you offered us a point before the game we would’ve taken it. Our away form hasn’t been as good as it should be.

“In the end, it’s probably a fair result but we had some chances to win it.

“Our confidence took a knock (after Rec) and it took a bigger one on 46 minutes when three or four mistakes led to the equaliser.

“Both teams were desperate to win, but our character after last Saturday was very good and hopefully that will be a kick-start for the next couple of weeks.”

Dorchester Sports, who lie ninth, 23 points off the pace set by Hamworthy, host Bridport Reserves in a derby clash on Saturday (2pm).

Sports: Frost, W Gould (Amor 20), A Gould, Quinton, Read, Ross (Gatehouse 60), Rawlings, A Steele, Samways (J Steele 74), Turland, Will