BOURNEMOUTH SPORTS 0

DORCHESTER SPORTS 1

ASHLEY James’ men won the battle of the Sports sides as Dorchester defeated Bournemouth 1-0 in their Dorset Premier League encounter at Chapel Gate.

The county town outfit now have the second-strongest away league record behind unbeaten leaders Hamworthy Rec, having taken 22 points on their travels this season.

Sports’ defence played a key role in their victory as chances came at a premium up front.

It took until the 31st minute for the visitors to muster their first major opportunity and were grateful it fell to striker Alex Stafie, who deposited his shot into the top corner from 18 yards.

Bournemouth responded by twice breaking through the away team’s rear guard, although keeper Antony Frost was untroubled.

In the second half, James’ troops made life difficult for themselves by wasting numerous openings.

Gareth Will played Ryan Ross through and the striker missed from six yards before Jamie Samways also missed a one-on-one after good work from Stafie.

Samways was unfortunate soon after when the home gloveman flung himself lengthways to superbly thwart his goalbound shot from 10 yards.

With Bournemouth enjoying large spells of possession in the closing stages, the visitors defended well to soak up the pressure and preserve their 1-0 win, moving into fifth above rivals Balti Sports on goal difference.

Victory helped erase the memory of the reverse fixture, in which Bournemouth fought back to draw 2-2 from a 2-0 deficit.

Speaking to Echosport, James said: “We were fantastic. We took the lead halfway through the first half and this time we defended really well instead of a couple of weeks before.

“We had a few chances second half to (finish) the game, which we should’ve taken, but it was a fantastic away performance from back to front.

“Every single player was fantastic, it’s a nice feeling when you come away with a 1-0 away win, especially (against) a team who were on the same points going into the game.

“I don’t think our defence allowed them to have any clear-cut chances – our back line was unbelievable. Brandon Heal and Alex Gould, our centre-backs, were fantastic and everything that Bournemouth chucked at us they dealt with it.

“Before Antony could make a save, our defence dealt with it. They did have a lot of possession but we defended really well.”

D Sports: Frost, Quinton, A Gould, Heal, Hill, Watts, G Will, Samways, Wash (Rawlings 70), Stafie, Ross. Sub not used: Kendrick.

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