Winchester City: 0

Dorchester Town: 0

Dorchester were held to a goalless draw on Wednesday night away to Winchester City in the Southern Premier League South. 

The side were bouncing following their 1-0 win against Gloucester City last weekend and Magpies boss Tom Killick named an unchanged side that travelled up to the City Ground.

Luka Chalwell was shown an early yellow card for the home team following a strong challenge on Jordan Ngalo after seven minutes. 

A minute later, the Magpies came close to netting the opener after Olaf Koszela’s shot from outside the area clipped the crossbar before going out of play for a goal kick.

With that, Winchester were starting to turn on the pressure, forcing Gerard Benfield to make a crucial save after 12 minutes after a header from Wright.

The resulting corner saw Nevins head towards target, but the effort was straight into the gloves of Benfield. 

Ngalo performed well down the right side before taking on a shot after 15 minutes, which forced Cairney to make a save at his near post. Moments later, the home side forced Benfield to make another save on the counter attack. 

After 35 minutes, Winchester’s Ik Hill cut inside before unleashing a shot from the edge of the area which was deflected onto the crossbar and behind for a goal kick. 

Two minutes later, the Magpies had a chance of their own after Shaquille Gwengwe was played through on goal by Wes Fogden to be one-on-one with Cairney. The keeper did well to come off his goal line and make the save.

Winchester began the stronger of the sides in the second half as they were searching the opener. Chalwell had the first chance after 50 minutes, but his low drilled effort towards goal was graciously held by Benfield. 

A few more efforts were dangerously lobbed into the Dorchester penalty area before the hour mark however Magpies defenders were able to scramble the chances away with a clearance. 

With just under 10 minutes of play remaining, the Magpies had another chance to break the deadlock after Matt Buse teed up Koszela for a shot on the edge of the area, but the effort flashed just wide of the post. 

Benfield was proving to be the hero for the Magpies, making another save late on after a ranged shot from Caborn was turned away. 

Deep into the six minutes of added time, Dorchester were close to snatching all three points. Midfielder Corby Moore’s attempt was heading goalwards, but was inches short, with the chance smacking against the crossbar. 

Dorchester have now picked up four points in their last two games, keeping back-to-back clean sheets. They will look to extend this record when they travel to Oxfordshire to face Banbury United.  

Attendance: 487

Magpies XI: Benfield, Dickson, Spetch, Haste, Buse, Moore, Ngalo, Pardoe, Fogden (Roberts 60), Koszela, Gwengwe (Robinson 68). Subs: Bragg, Hutchinson, Holmes.