Merley 5-1 Blandford United: Royals in cup final agony

BLANDFORD UNITED 1

BLANDFORD United’s dream run in the Dorset Senior Trophy ended in agony as Merley Cobham Sports won the final 5-1 to retain the trophy.

The Royals, who saw manager Jamie Haylock leave earlier in the season, had upset newly-promoted Gillingham Town in the semi-finals.

But the Park Road boys, overseen by interim management staff Josh Feirn and Rob Andre, had to settle for runners-up silverware against a strong Merley side.

Playing in their away claret strip, Blandford went behind in the 10th minute when ex-Dorchester Town striker Matt Groves buried a low Joe Wickham cross.

Jack Jones replied for Blandford with a cheeky backheel which skidded just wide before Dan Edwards rattled the post for Merley.

But Blandford, who gave a terrific account of themselves all night, levelled on 30 minutes when Mike Johnson volleyed home a mis-timed punch from Cobham keeper Andy Knights.

READ MORE: Gillingham promoted but Dorch Sports miss out

Blandford then whipped a free-kick into the wall from 20 yards before conceding at an awkward time.

Royals’ keeper Mike Gleadall could not keep out a fierce strike from Asa Phillips as Merley scored four minutes before the break.

And the holders made it 3-1 on 58 minutes when a Groves free-kick landed perfectly for the unmarked Merley captain Lee Wilkins to plant home at the back post.

Blandford tired in the second half as Merley, who have won all nine of their DPL Supplementary Cup fixtures, never relinquished control.

Merley saw a goal ruled out for a push but Groves claimed another assist when Phillips’ cute header looped over Gleadall for 4-1.

Wickham then got the goal his performance deserved, Gleadall powerless to intercept his sweet strike across the box.

Merley Cobham Sports retained the Dorset Senior Trophy title Picture: DORSET CFA/TWITTER

Speaking to Echosport, a gutted Feirn said: “It was a bit disappointing, we went in at half-time 2-1 undeservedly – we were well in the game.

“When we equalised we had them rattled for 10 or 15 minutes, they couldn’t seem to handle us.

“We knew out wide they had Joe Wickham and Asa Phillips and knew what they could do.

“It was a shame to see two of the goals go in on things that we’ve been working on. On the night, it’s easier said than done.

“I can’t fault the boys for their effort and attitude. We did everyone proud to even get there. We were the underdogs even going into the semi-final. Getting to the final was big for us.

“When you’re playing against a team of that standard, there’s not much you can do and it showed they were nine games ahead of us.”

Andre added: “The lads have done well all the way through, it’s a big shame.

“From my point of view I’ve been pleased to be some small part of it. We’ve got a nucleus of young players who will grow from this.

“I’m really excited by what might be achieved next year when I assist Andy Savage (new boss). Hopefully we can have a few more cup runs and do well in the league.”

Blandford: Gleadall, P Ford, M Johnson, Oliver, Parry, E Manson, Smith, McCarthy, B Pike, T Pike, Jones. Subs: Berry, Hill, Arnett, J Ford.