Chickerell United boss Chris Wilson refused to pin the blame on keeper Ian Bickerstaff after his howler gifted all three points to Cranborne.

The Chickens twice led at Weymouth College on Saturday – thanks to Rob Maxted’s double – only to shoot themselves in the foot by conceding two penalties before Bickerstaff’s gaffe.

There appeared to be no danger when the ball rolled to the feet of the home gloveman but his miscue fell kindly for Cranes’ substitute Ally Antell, who made no mistake.

The result leaves Wilson still searching for his first competitive win at the helm, having been on holiday for United’s two Magna Dorset Premier League victories to date.

The Chickens’ manager said: “You can’t legislate for three individual errors.

“However, we’re not cutting the ball off at its source and we’re getting punished for it.

“We gifted them three goals in periods of the game where we were in control.

“It’s our work off the ball, as a team, that is of most concern for me.”

On the goal that condemned his side to defeat, the former keeper added: “Ian saved a penalty for us against Blandford earlier in the season but has made a howler this time around.

“I don’t need to defend him as he’s already held his hands up.

“It’s cost us but it’s not all down to him. We’ve conceded seven goals in two games now purely through lack of discipline as a team and not doing our jobs properly.”

Asked about the spot-kicks awarded against his team, Wilson said: “They looked like penalties from where I was stood so I’ve got no complaints.”

The hosts started brightly and forged ahead after 11 minutes. Maxted brushed off two challenges before finding the top corner with a powerful effort.

Chickerell failed to push on from there and were suitably punished when Antony Carlile tripped Alex Hewitt and the referee pointed to the spot, despite protests that the offence took place outside the area.

Visiting skipper Ollie Hepworth sent Bickerstaff the wrong way to make it 1-1.

United then lost Stuart Wal-bridge to an ankle injury but regained their advantage shortly before half-time with Maxted lashing home.

Wilson’s charges received a let off just past the hour as Darren Munday blazed over from close range.

The warning went unheeded though, with Liam Weeks adjud-ged to have brought down Adam Beattie for Cranborne’s second spot-kick of the game – which Hepworth converted with ease.

And the comeback was complete with eight minutes remaining as Antell pounced on Bicker-staff’s error.

The away side lost Hepworth to a second booking but the Chickens failed to take advantage and saw Maxted miss the chance to notch his hat-trick and rescue a point.

Chickens: Bickerstaff, Weeks, Oldrid, Williams (Perkins 67), Burton, A Skelton, B Skelton, Roper, Maxted, Carlile, Walbridge (D Skelton 28). Subs not used: Robinson, Coombs.