WAREHAM RANGERS 3 EASTON UNITED 4

ROB Maxted netted two stunning goals as Easton United staged a fantastic comeback at Wareham Rangers to wrap up third spot in the Dorset Senior League.

The Portlanders went 3-0 down in the opening 20 minutes only to turn the tables in dramatic fashion with Jordan Bowler and Adam Skelton also finding the net.

Having watched his men lose their previous three games Easton boss Chris Wilson praised the character showed by his side who look set to fold at the end of the season.

He said: “The fact the lads are still fighting for each other despite the fact that things at the club could be coming to an end just shows what great character they all have.

“To go 3-0 down in the opening 20 minutes is very difficult to come back from but I never actually felt we were out of it and when Jordan got one back before half time I could see the confidence come flooding back in the side.

“Their keeper then received his marching orders in the second half for coming out of his box and taking down Adam Skelton.

“That proved to be a huge blow for them particularly when Rob stuck away the resulting free kick to get us right back in it.

“After that we dominated and played some of the best football we have produced for three or four weeks. “Adam got us back level with a header before Rob then went on and scored a stunning winner by cutting in from the left and unleashing a thunderbolt into the top right-corner of the net from 25 yards.”

The result has taken Easton above Okeford United and back into the top three on goal difference. And barring a huge defeat against Tintinhull next Saturday that is where they will remain.

Wilson added: “To finish third again is a good achievement but it has been a very hard year.

“We cannot get anymore land to play on and there is just no where we can take it. I have worked hard to try and sort something out but the council has not been particularly helpful so there is not much else we can really do.

“It is a sad end to it all really. Everyone is upset about it but over the years there have been several Portland clubs that have come and gone, and unfortunately it looks like we are going to follow.”

Easton: Anthony, Burley (Gray 15), Kelly, Maxted, Carlile, Moore, B Skelton, A Skelton, Turrell, Bowler, Howes. Sub not used: Wilson.