SHERBORNE TOWN RES 1

BALTI SPORTS 2

BALTI Sports recorded their fourth straight Dorset Premier League victory, overcoming Sherborne Town Reserves 2-1 at Raleigh Grove.

Marco Nott only had 11 players available on the day, plus himself, while striker Oscar Preece played his third straight match in goal despite no previous experience with the gloves.

Preece’s performance was made all the more remarkable by the fact he has been playing injured, nursing a thigh strain.

He was perhaps the most grateful man on the pitch after a goalless first half, in which Sherborne dominated albeit conjuring little to trouble Preece.

READ MORE: Balti Sports 2-1 Blandford United - report

In the second half, Balti found an extra gear after their exertions in beating leaders Blandford United on Saturday.

Matt Chambers’ corner found Liam Taylor at the near post and his volley thudded into the net for 1-0.

Balti could have made it 2-0 but for an heroic goalline clearance after Callum Allison rounded the Zebras’ keeper and fired goalwards.

Sherborne then equalised against the run of play and Sam Jarman pounced from close range after Balti allowed a corner to bounce into their box.

Balti were limited in their options so opted for perseverance and duly got their rewards in the 85th minute, when Taylor swung in a corner towards the near post, returning the favour for Chambers who headed home.

Nott told Echosport: “The lads are in a great place. They’ve suffered a lot this season with a long winter, they had numerous defeats in a row.

“It just goes to show they’ve got it in them to get a result. They’ve got the belief at the moment and there’s a real togetherness, it’s great to see.

“We were up against it, we had a bare 11 with just myself in the dugout. It’s not like we went there full-strength.”

Balti host third-placed Wimborne Town Reserves tomorrow (3pm), a side Nott rates highly.

“I’d say they’re the best team we’ve played this season,” he admitted.

“They’re a very good young footballing side. We played them first game of the season and they were outstanding with their passing and movement.

“They’re pushing for promotion, so it’s all to play for. Winning the four games has given us that belief. Hopefully we can take that into (tomorrow) and hopefully we can get something again.”

Balti: Preece, Nichols, Butcher, Hawker, Hansford, McClements, Taylor, Stavrianos, Allison, Rawlings, Chambers. Sub not used: M Nott.