DORCHESTER SPORTS 0

BLANDFORD UNITED 4

DORCHESTER Sports were humbled 4-0 at home by Blandford United as the Royals temporarily climbed to the top of the Dorset Premier League standings.

Blandford could be overtaken by Holt pending last night’s games but the Royals gave a good indication as to their title credentials this season.

Sports had previously won both home games convincingly but were instantly on the back foot when Owen Peart conceded a soft penalty for a coming together.

Steve Smith stepped up to score past Greg Taylor in the Sports’ goal and the former Bridport keeper could only parry Elliot Manson’s shot from a quickly-taken free-kick, allowing Reuben Stanley to tap home.

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Sports went 3-0 down early in the second half when Charlie John drove down the Blandford right and fizzed in a low cross to the back post where George Coleman was waiting to bury a finish high into the net.

Dorch Sports did threaten after that, Josh Camp’s stinging effort tipped over by Sam Pike and Carl Edwards firing at the Royals’ custodian.

Blandford could have added to their tally as ex-Weymouth striker Mark Ford clattered a low shot against the post.

However, John claimed his second assist, showing excellent determination under pressure to keep possession then the vision to see Manson’s run, the forward then lobbing the onrushing Taylor for 4-0.

Ford flashed a shot across the face of goal and Manson ambitiously tried for a brace from range, only for Taylor to gather.

The damage had been done though and Sports’ boss Ash James conceded the better team had won on the night.

He told Echosport: “They played well, they’re a good side this year and deserved their win.

“It’s another disappointing result, we’ve got to take it on the chin and improve in all areas.

“They got a harsh penalty but it was given. Then they had a free-kick was Greg parried out and it was a tap-in, so it’s two set-pieces really and it was kind of game over at half-time.”

Sports now travel to Shaftesbury Town Reserves on Saturday (3pm).

Dorch Sports: G Taylor, Sands, L Taylor, Browne, O’Shaughnessy, Coombs (Mcfetridge 70), Brumble (Leake 70), O Peart (Edwards 60), Camp, Hewitt (Sheehy 60), Godfrey.