DORCHESTER TOWN 1

Stanley 2

FARNBOROUGH 2

Buchanan 70, 77

DORCHESTER Town saw a first-half lead turned on its head as Elliott Buchanan’s double ensured leaders Farnborough claimed an eighth successive league victory.

Alfie Stanley’s second-minute goal had looked set to cause an upset over the Pitching In Southern League Premier South’s table toppers.

That was until Buchanan popped up with two goals in seven minutes to preserve Boro’s place at the summit.

The result was slightly harsh on the managerless Magpies, who became the latest victims of Farnborough’s march to the top.

Dorchester interim managers Brian Churchill and Craig Robinson handed a debut to new signing Harry Lee, a 16-year-old goalkeeper on loan from Exeter City.

Lee was the only change from the side that began the 3-2 win over Hartley Wintney in midweek, Alan Walker-Harris not present in the squad at all.

READ MORE: Dorchester Town 1-2 Farnborough - how it happened

Fellow new recruit Kieran Roberts, fresh from 15 goals in 15 games at AFC Portchester, took a place on the bench alongside Christos Papakonstantinou, Adam Heaton, Harry Burns and Ben Hughes.

There had been 28 goals in the past five games between the sides and it took just two minutes for the 29th to arrive as Stanley notched his fifth goal in eight matches.

Dorchester cleared a Farnborough set-piece and attacked down the right with Oakley Hanger’s cross touched home by the predatory Stanley.

His goal gave Dorchester something to hold on to, but there were no thoughts of retreating as Charlie Madden forced Boro keeper Dante Baptiste into a good save with a strong header.

Alfie Saunders responded with a deflected shot which fell kindly for Lee, before Boro endured a nervy moment at the back as Stanley’s cross ricocheted over the bar.

Paul Hodges then took a free-kick quickly to Josh Fawole and Dorchester were able to block the danger for a corner which came to nothing.

End-to-end chances then came as Tom Purrington’s low shot produced a good save from Baptiste and from the clearance Boro broke upfield for their best chance of the half.

Hodges ran nearly 50 yards for a one-on-one with Lee, but the teenager showed great composure to save with an outstretched leg and dilute the danger.

That was the last real chance of the half and winger Sam Bayston lasted just five minutes of the second half before Roberts replaced him for his debut.

Thiago Caze da Silva headed over for Dorchester before Hodges set Ricky Holmes away on the break, the midfielder firing wide.

Roberts replied with a superb piece of control to set up a strike that Baptiste did well to push round the post.

Hodges and Holmes were involved again as Farnborough next came forward, only for Elis Watts to blaze over from six yards.

But Farnborough’s pressure told when Sam Deering supplied Buchanan to sweep home past Lee with 20 minutes to go.

The goal changed the complexion of the game and the dangerous Holmes bent in a lovely cross from which Buchanan headed wide.

However, seven minutes later Farnborough were ahead when Buchanan whipped a peach of a 25-yard free-kick past Lee with his left foot.

John Oyenuga snuffed out a chipped Dorchester free-kick and Holmes tested Lee late on as chances came in both boxes.

Dorchester won a late corner but Hanger’s delivery was cleared by Deering as the Magpies were kept at bay by the leaders.

Farnborough had one last chance when Watts’ solo run and shot smacked against the post from 35 yards.

Chasing a leveller, the Magpies won a free-kick in the 93rd minute through Flavio Tavares but Boro headed the danger clear and Holmes blocked an opening seconds later as the visitors held on for all three points.

Magpies: Lee, Hanger, Sa, Caze da Silva, Madden, Tavares, Purrington (Papakonstantinou 85), Stanley, Bayston (Roberts 50), Lowes, Buckley. Subs not used: Hughes, Burns, Heaton.

Farnborough: Baptiste, Saunders, Oyenuga, Fawole (Cooksley 29, Fearn 78), Orlu, Owens, Holmes, Deering, Buchanan, Hodges (Elias-Fernandes 84), Watts. Subs not used: Rose, Emmanuel.

Referee: Paul Barber

Attendance: 403