BALTI Sports reached the semi-finals of the DPL Supplementary Cup despite a 2-0 defeat to Hamworthy Rec at Redlands.

Balti were forced to change their venue at short notice after a double booking at Weymouth College and escaped punishment from league officials.

Going into the game, Balti knew a defeat by three goals or fewer would guarantee progress to the knockout phase.

Emerging second from a group containing reigning DPL champions Rec and Westland Sports, plus rivals Dorchester Sports and Bridport Reserves, must also signal a huge achievement for Balti.

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In a first half light on chances, Balti midfielder Carl McClements poked his side’s best chance wide following good work from winger Matty Burrows.

However, Rec produced two clinical finishes to secure their sixth victory in Group B.

Balti youngster Stef Stavrianos’ cross was intercepted and Rec ran the length of the pitch before squaring for Rich Sands to slot home.

And the three points were pocketed when George Deem finished a one-on-one chance for 2-0.

Speaking to Echosport, home boss Marco Nott said: “We were really flat and it was surprising.

“But I can’t fault the lads, to get through that group was an achievement in itself, so it’s hard to criticise.

“After one point in the first three games, there was no way I saw us qualifying for the semi-finals. It’s a great credit to the lads, they’ve been brilliant.

“It was a strange atmosphere at the end. We wanted to celebrate that we’ve gone through to the semi-final.

“At the same time it almost felt as if we’d got knocked out, the way the day went. Hopefully that was our lull.”

Balti now face a hard semi-final against Merley Cobham Sports on Saturday (2.30pm).

Merley secured 10 wins from 10 games in Group A and also beat Blandford United 5-1 to retain the Dorset Senior Trophy last week.

Nott said: “We’ve had almost the group of death and have probably the hardest draw we could have in the semi-final, it’s pretty relentless.

“It’s good to be back playing football but it’s been a baptism of fire in this tournament!

“Going into the knockouts we’re facing an extremely in-form side in Merley. They’re an outstanding side and going forward they’ve got everything.

“They’ve got a very experienced team with a couple of youngsters. It’s going to be a tough encounter, especially at their place.

“We went up there this season and got pumped 10-3. We were a scratch side then, but hopefully we’ll be stronger come Saturday.”

Balti: M Nott, Walker, Beals, Taylor, O’Shaughnessy, Dovell, Stewart (Grace 50), Devaney, Burrows, McClements (Andrews 55), Stavrianos (Drummond 70).

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