SWANAGE T&H 0

DORCHESTER SPORTS 1

DORCHESTER Sports progressed to the FA Vase second qualifying round with a slender 1-0 win over a spirited Swanage Town & Herston side at Days Park.

Sports had signed Dorchester Town goalkeeper Nick Hutchings on dual forms on Friday but his opposite number was the busier early on as Adam Steele fired off the first shot at goal.

Hutchings did however, have to make two key saves, turning a shot on to the post and blocking a effort off the line, as Swanage went close to opening the scoring.

Sports continued to press as Gareth Will shot wide before Jamie West somehow missed an open goal from six yards.

The striker atoned for his miss by stooping low to nod Steele’s pinpoint delivery into the bottom corner on 55 minutes, giving the visitors a lead which they nearly extended.

Will smashed an effort against the crossbar, while the Swans’ gloveman was twice worked as Sports dominated.

However, Ashley James’ men were given a let off with five minutes to play as prolific forward Paul Best headed narrowly wide when unmarked from six yards.

Speaking to Echosport, ecstatic James said: “It’s a great result. We’ve been to cup finals before but this is the highest competition we’ve ever played in.

“It was a brilliant day and we played really well. The occasion didn’t get to us and we deserved the win. We’re delighted, and really looking forward to a home game against a team two leagues above us.”

Sports will host ninth-tier Christchurch at the Clayson Stadium in the second qualifying round on Saturday, September 14 (3pm).

Sports: Hutchings, A Gould, W Gould (Hill 85), P Thomas, Smith, Peart, Samways, Lowes, G Will (Quinton 70), West, A Steele (Rawlings 85). Sub not used: Churchill