Portland United crossed the Causeway to Dorchester, then returned from the Avenue Stadium to the Royal Manor with all 3 Southern League Division 1 points, a result that even the most ardent Blues fan would have thought almost impossible a couple of years ago.
In his post-match interview, Portland manager Kyle Critchell thanked his players for their commitment, with opening goal scorer Archie Woolford singled out for particular praise.
The result could have gone in either direction, but in the end the Blues shaded it with their two central defenders in fine form, frequently denying the Dorchester strikers a clear shot at goal.
Woolford opened the scoring for the visitors, with Ethan Taylor levelling a few minutes later.
After the break, Patrick Jenkins put the Blues back in front, then Harley Brook doubled their leading margin with Portland’s third goal.
From then until the final whistle, it was very much all hands on deck for the Blues defenders as the Magpies tried desperately to haul them in.
Well into added time, Taylor doubled his tally, but it was too little too late, and the referee’s whistle signalled mass celebrations in the Portland ranks.
Final score: Dorchester 2 Portland United 3.
In the same division, Weymouth lost their unbeaten record, losing 2-1 to visitors Tiverton, with the Terras’ goal scored by Tor Swann.
Our Man at the Match said: “Tiverton closed Weymouth down very quickly and tried to catch them out on the break. It was far from the Terras best performance this season. There was some debate whether their first goal was offside, but the officials didn’t think so, so the goal stood”.
“It was Weymouth’s first league defeat this season, so it’s back into action on Tuesday evening at the Bob Lucas Stadium against Willand Rovers”.
In the South West Peninsular League, East Bridport went down by 3 goals to 2 at St. Mary’s, beaten by Ilfracombe.
Fred Parsosn scored a pair of goals for the Bees.
Sunday:
Women’s Football Results:
Ridgeway 2 vs Sticker 2. Dorchester Res. 12 vs Dexter Sports 0. Bridport 7 vs Bournemouth Manor 0. Swanage & Herston 1 vs Poole Dev. 1. Broadstone 0 vs Portland United Youth 4. Cobham Sports 6 vs Ridgeway Black Pearls 0 & Poole Borough 2 vs Shaftsbury Res. 3.
Rugby:
Tribute Ale League Rugby Results:
Swanage & Wareham 19 vs Dorchester 15, North Dorset II 21 vs Lytchett Minster 41, Weymouth & Portland 31 vs Puddletown 12 & Yeovil 45 vs Bridport 18.
To view images from the Dorchester vs Portland United match at the Avenue Stadium on Saturday follow this link: idrismartin.wordpress.com
