STURMINSTER NEWTON UNITED 2

DORCHESTER SPORTS 3

DORCHESTER Sports came back from 2-1 down to beat Sturminster Newton United 3-2 in a dramatic Dorset Premier League meeting at Barnetts Field.

Sports have searched for a victory since the 2-1 success over Sherborne Town Reserves in early November and the win extends their unbeaten league run to four games.

Matters did not appear rosy when the Cherries staged a fightback of their own mid-match.

Sports went 1-0 up when right-back Ash Smith popped up with a rare goal, scorching a shot in off the post in the 20th minute.

However, Ashley James’ men lost concentration when defending a corner and Cherries’ captain Neil Sweatman tapped home after keeper Antony Frost misjudged the trajectory of the delivery.

Five minutes before half-time, Sports allowed Sturminster to chip a long ball over the top, releasing Alex McKenzie to calmly place his effort past Frost for 2-1.

Alex Stafie got the visitors back on terms after the break, substitute Ryan Ross having an immediate impact as his cross was headed in by the Romanian striker in the 55th minute.

Sports looked consigned to a third straight draw until a route one goal proved to be a match-winner.

Frost’s booming kick downfield unhinged the Cherries’ defence and Stafie ran through, showing great composure to finish from 10 yards in the 84th minute.

Speaking to Echosport, James said: “It’s a nice feeling to come back and take the three points away from home.

“It was a tough game but we got over the line, which was very pleasing.

“We were a bit unfortunate to go in (at half-time) behind but we switched off twice for the goals and we had a lot to do.

“We were fantastic in the second half, on the front foot, and in the end got the two goals which I think we deserved.

“I don’t think Antony had much to do, that’s been the story of the last few weeks – every shot seems to go in.

“Hopefully it will give us a bit of confidence going into the home game with Swanage on Saturday.”

Sports’ win places them in sixth with 25 points, some eight points behind unbeaten leaders Hamworthy Recreation, who have three games in hand.

Elsewhere, Dorchester Sports Reserves had no fixture but return to action on Saturday at Wincanton Reserves (2pm).

Sports: Frost, A Gould, Smith, Hopkins, Hill, Heal (Ross 46), Samways, Critchell (Churchill 75), G Will, Stafie, Quinton (Wash 75).

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