DORCHESTER SPORTS 2

BLANDFORD UNITED 4

DORCHESTER Sports slipped to a 4-2 home defeat as Blandford United caused an upset at the Avenue Stadium.

Sports have now conceded eight goals in two games, following last week’s 4-3 reverse at Holt.

Chances were squandered at either end before new signing Owen Peart wobbled the bar with a rocket from 20 yards out.

However, the Weymouth Under-23s midfielder provided the first goal for debutant Oli Lowes on 40 minutes, the latter slamming in a resounding finish.

READ MORE: Holt United 4-3 Dorchester Sports - report

Blandford turned the game on its head five minutes into the second half as Reuben Stanley guided a shot under the dive of keeper Ash Green and Sam Watson blasted home from the edge of the box, punishing a defensive error.

Pat Jenkins made it 3-1 after stealing in at the back post and Sports’ afternoon soured further when Liam O’Shaughnessy received a second yellow card.

Sports’ third debutant, Kriss Radivojsa, briefly gave his side hope with a header from Peart’s corner for 3-2 on 84 minutes.

That was until stoppage-time when Archie McCarthy lobbed Green to seal the points.

Giving his assessment of the Blandford game, Sports’ boss Ash James said: “I’m not sure if it’s a shock, we’ve been conceding too many goals.

“The same happened against a good side. It’s disappointing after taking in a one-goal lead.

“Second half we just fell apart and it’s hard to explain why. We’ve got to take it on the chin and go again.

“We’ve lost our best centre-back (Shaun Bessant), that’s not going to help us. Conceding eight goals in two games confirms that.

“It’s a case of having to restructure the team. Some new players came in and did really well but it’s going to take time to form new partnerships. We’re having to start again.”

With Sports now five points off leaders Sturminster Newton, having played one more game than the Cherries, James was asked about his side’s title chances.

“We’ve never really been talking about winning it,” he insisted. “It’s always been a case of just trying to challenge and see where you are.

“We don’t want to put any sort of pressure on it. Until it’s mathematically impossible, you always try and win as many games as you can.

“At the moment, we’ve got to get back to basics. Until we do that, we’re not going to win games.

“Individual mistakes are killing us and we’re being punished for it.”

Sports now sit fourth following Westland Sports’ 4-1 victory over Swanage, the two teams meeting at the Avenue this evening (7.45pm).

“It’s a very, very tough game against a really good side, big and physical. The lads are going to have to step up.

“We said after half-time on Saturday that we have to be strong and unfortunately after five minutes of the second half we were 2-1 down.

“We’re going to have to play for a lot longer than just the first 45 minutes to get a results against a very good Westland side.”

Nick Hutchings misses out but Toby Read (groin), Jack Delves and Ash Smith return.

Sports: Green, J Steele, O’Shaughnessy, Browne (Hansford 75), Watts, Taylor, Radivojsa, Lowes (Samways 55), O Peart, Rossiter, Sheehy (Dovell 65). Subs not used: Duncalf, Heal.