BALTI SPORTS 1

BLANDFORD UNITED 3

BALTI Sports surrendered a 1-0 half-time lead as Blandford United struck back to win 3-1 in their Jewson Dorset Premier League clash at Weymouth College.

Balti are now winless in six attempts during 2023, sitting 12th of the 17 teams in a disappointing season so far.

Sam Nichols did his best to help turn the tide, beating striker-come-keeper Mark Ford to a through ball and finding the empty net in the 17th minute.

Balti had enjoyed the better of the first half but Sports had a taste of their own medicine in the second as the Royals proved too strong.

Neat interplay helped create an opening for Elliot Manson to fake a shot, sitting keeper Dec Spearing and the covering defender down before equalising.

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Blandford led when Steve Smith headed home Archie McCarthy’s corner but they needed Ford to make a crucial save soon afterwards.

Balti threw men forward hunting an equaliser but Blandford wrapped up the win as prolific striker Sam Watson darted into the box and buried a finish past Spearing.

Speaking to Echosport, Balti assistant Chris Hicks said: “We played well first half, worked hard and the attitude was good.

“Then, second half we didn’t. Consistency is our biggest problem at the minute.

“We just didn’t play the same way and made mistakes, which has been killing us all season.”

Balti visit Poole Borough on Saturday (3pm), while visit Wimborne Reserves in the Dorset Senior Trophy semi-finals (2.30pm).

Balti: Spearing, Walker, Roberts, Butcher, Allison, Halloran (Jarvis 65), Nichols, McClements (Harvey 75), Drummond, Chambers, Brown. Sub not used: Andrews.