BLANDFORD UNITED 7

CORFE CASTLE 3

BLANDFORD United came out on top in a 10-goal thriller, beating Corfe Castle 7-3 in their Jewson Dorset Premier League clash.

Due to Storm Eunice, the fixture was switched from Park Road to Blandford School’s 3G pitch but the Royals adapted quickly as Reuben Stanley, Steve Smith and Elliot Manson put the hosts 3-0 up.

Corfe had Blandford nerves jangling with two quick goals at the start of the second half, Finn Lowe smashing a 40-yard beauty home and Ryan Cattano making it 3-2.

Archie McCarthy restored a two-goal cushion for Blandford but Corfe added a fourth goal in five crazy minutes when Ocean Smith found the top-left corner.

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Corfe wasted chances to make it 4-4 before Callum Goddard hit Castle on the break 10 minutes from time.

And Blandford duly put the game to bed when Smith notched his second, Stanley then firing a rocket in off the bar from 25 yards to cap a hectic contest in style.

Speaking to Echosport, Royals’ boss David Walsh said: “The forward play has been really good.

“We’ve been able to break on teams quite well and we do finishing all the time after training – some of that is starting to pay off.

“Second half they came right at us but we responded well. It’s small steps and we’re headed in a positive direction.”

Blandford host Sturminster Newton United today (2pm).

Royals: Bryant, T Oliver, Foden, W Johnson, Hodges, Arnett (Holland 55), Baker, Stanley, McCarthy (Goddard 70), Smith, Manson. Sub not used: Horton