DORCHESTER TOWN U18 2

MERLEY COBHAM SPORTS U18 0

DORCHESTER Town Under-18s set up the chance of a treble-winning season after defeating Merley Under-18s 2-0 in the Dorset Youth Cup final at the County Ground.

Two of the standout Dorset under-18 sides did battle in an intriguing game and Dorchester showed their intentions from the start, every player looking comfortable in possession, knocking the ball around really well and making it really difficult for Cobham to settle on the ball.

At times, Merley looked a little overawed and it was a good ten minutes or so before they settled.

READ MORE: Dorchester Town Under-23s complete treble

However, for all of Dorchester’s possession in the opening exchanges, Matthew Ford had little to do in the Cobham goal and their back four dealt capably with the Magpies’ frontline.

With Charlie Hammond and Thomas Beckett struggling early on to get to grips in midfield it was the industrious Adam Hall that seemed to pose the biggest threat to Dorchester, his direct running causing the Magpies some problems.

In the 27th minute he felt aggrieved not to have won a penalty when played in by Hammond as the impressive Sam Moggeridge in the Magpies' goal came out to claim, the officials waving play on.

Cobham were now having a share of the game and Beckett went close in the 32nd minute.

However, the first major incident in front of goal came when Dorchester found the net just a minute later through Lewis Toms only for his goal to be ruled out for offside.

The game appeared to be heading to the break all square but a mistake from the impressive Charlie Naish resulted in him conceding a foul 19 yards out.

Up stepped Toms, who recently agreed a deal with Dorchester’s first team, to fire home low into the right-hand corner of the net to give the Magpies a 1-0 lead at half-time.

Merley came out of the blocks the quicker in the second half and a lovely through ball from Beckett saw Charlie Beale with Moggeridge to beat but he knocked it straight at the keeper.

However, Dorchester had the greater clinical edge and increased their lead in the 60th minute.

It came with a captain’s goal from Ieuan Turner, who was just too strong at the far post converting from a corner.

The game seemed to open up a little and Beale again went close for Cobham in the 73rd minute but Moggeridge showed a safe pair of hands then back came Dorchester.

Jamie Hosking and Remus Nixon were both denied a third goal in the final ten minutes but the win and clean sheet went Dorchester’s way as the Magpies completed the double.

Speaking to Echosport, Dorchester boss Craig Robinson said: “We’ve won the league and now the County Cup but we’ve also got a game to emulate the 23s and win the treble.

“So, although it was a fantastic night there was also a focus on Friday.

“I’ve got to be honest it wasn’t our greatest performance but it was a cup final and they never are.

“Two teams battling hard, I thought we always had the edge and it was a hot evening, so we were managing the game in terms of energy levels.

“It was a great victory.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow, Winchester City Red await in the Hampshire Combination Under-18 Challenge Cup final at the Avenue Stadium (7.45pm).

And Robinson admitted all eyes are on the treble.

He said: “It’s one of those where the fixtures are coming thick and fast. Wednesday, Friday is not ideal but Winchester are a very good side.

“They won their league and are in the County Cup so they’re at the same point as us. It will be two very good teams and they’re chasing the treble as well.

“It will be a great spectacle and a challenge we’re looking forward to.”

Harvey Sivell should be fit after struggling with dehydration, and Dorchester welcome back Max Loder to the fold.