Dorchester TOWN 2

Malsom 20, Dovell 101

Portland UNITED 1

Halloran 26 (after extra-time)

DORCHESTER Town survived a Dorset Senior Cup scare – needing extra-time to overcome a spirited Portland United and book their place in the final for the second year running.

The Blue Square Bet South Magpies took the lead through Sam Malsom’s second goal in as many games but they were pegged back almost immediately courtesy of a superb set-piece from Alex Halloran.

The Magna Dorset Premier League side stood firm for the remainder of the 90 minutes but their resistance was finally broken in the first period of extra-time as Ryan Dovell, on his old stomping ground of St Mary’s Field, grabbed what proved to be the winning goal.

Despite lying five tiers below the Magpies on the non-League pyramid, the Blues more than matched the holders in the opening exchanges.

The higher-ranked outfit had to remain patient but after careful build-up play from the back, Dorchester struck the opener with 20 minutes gone.

Jamie Symes provided the telling pass and Malsom cut in from the right before firing low into the far corner.

Portland keeper Nick Carroll was then forced to save at his near post from Neil Martin as the Magpies searched for a second. But with their first meaningful attack, the islanders were level.

Ross Boatswain was tugged back by Jake Smeeton 25 yards out and Halloran found the top corner with a sublime effort.

Chances were few and far between for the remainder of the half but a minute shy of the 45, Symes blasted wide from the edge of the area following Nathan Walker’s knock-down.

Portland continued to frustrate their more illustrious opponents in the second period and it wasn’t until the final 15 minutes that Alan Knight’s men mustered an attempt at goal.

However, Walker headed harmlessly wide from substitute Ashley Nicholls’ cross.

The islanders were the epitome of guts and determination, a great example coming in the form of an excellent block from defender Tom Carter to deny Kyle Critchell.

Walker had another headed opportunity in the final minute of normal time but again his effort failed to trouble Carroll and extra-time beckoned.

Dorchester lost Critchell shortly after the restart due to a late challenge from Grant Chance, for which the striker received a yellow card, but their mood was lifted when Dovell restored their advantage 11 minutes in – converting a teasing centre from Martin.

Malsom was unfortunate not to put the tie out of reach moments later when his thunderous free-kick, more than 30 yards from goal, crashed against the woodwork.

With his last throw of the dice, Blues’ boss Stuart Heath sacrificed a defender for a striker with Simon Crouch replacing Andy Perkins.

But it was the Magpies who went closest to adding to their tally – Dovell narrowly missing the inside of the right-hand post with a cheeky back-heel.

In the end, Dovell’s earlier effort was enough to spare the Magpies’ blushes and break Portland hearts.

Magpies: Walker-Harris, Bell, Smeeton (Jermyn 71), Critchell (S Walker 94), N Walker, Gleeson, Malsom, Symes, Wilson (Nicholls 46), Dovell, Martin. Subs not used: Way, Tennant.

Blues: Carroll, Cranny, Wells, Carter, Perkins (Crouch 106), Litherland, Boatswain (Toghill 63), Halloran, Beal (Chance 46), Pattison, Reader. Subs not used: Turrell, Bickerstaff.

Booked: Magpies – Neil Martin (foul, 57), Steven Walker (foul, 105) Blues – Grant Chance (foul, 92)

Referee: Adie Tranter (Poole)