AFC STONEHAM U23 2

DORCHESTER TOWN U23 6

DORCHESTER Town Under-23s completed a league and cup double with a resounding 6-2 win over AFC Stoneham.

Brian Churchill’s youngsters have now won successive Hampshire Combination and Development League titles.

And they have the chance to complete a treble tomorrow evening against Winchester City in the John Stimpson Memorial Shield.

Their league crown goes along with the league cup, won with a 2-1 victory against Hamble Club.

READ MORE: Dorchester Town U23s celebrate league and cup double in 2022

At Stoneham, there was a flurry of early goals as Magpies’ skipper Marcus Smith put Dorchester 1-0 up only for Lewis Nagle to equalise on 11 minutes.

Jack Delves restored Dorchester’s lead before half-time with a cheeky free-kick, disguising his effort to beat the Stoneham keeper at his near post.

Dorchester took complete control of the match in the second half as Remus Nixon and Kriss Radivojsa struck inside the hour mark.

Jamie Johnston then added a late double, including a penalty into the bottom-left corner, to make it 6-1.

However, Stoneham netted a consolation as former Trinidad and Tobago international Jake Thomson nodded home from all of two yards out.

Speaking to Echosport, Churchill said: “We’re extremely delighted with the 23s this season. They’ve gone above expectations.

“They’re showing maturity beyond their years, they’ve all bought into the tactical side that we’re trying to get across and they’re reaping the benefits now.

“We won 6-2 and I was a little bit critical that it was a mediocre performance but I’ve read other reports that said Dorchester were superb with free-flowing football, so perhaps I’m being harsh on them.”

The cup final at Winchester tomorrow (7.45pm) presents Churchill’s side with a rare chance to secure a treble.

He added: “I said to them that you don’t get many opportunities in football where you can do the double, let alone do the treble.

“We’re all focused but a little upset it’s not at a neutral venue and the fact we have to play two games in three days, which isn’t ideal.

“We’re trying to get that unbelievable treble that would live with players for the rest of their lives, I would think.”

Adam Heaton (groin) is Dorchester’s only injury doubt, with the Magpies taking the same squad that travelled to Stoneham.