Rodwell 4 DUKE OF ALBANY 2

OLLIE Stanton proved the difference between Weymouth Sunday League Premiership champions the Rodwell and Championship winners the Duke of Albany in the Shaun Taylor Charity Shield at Redlands.

The livewire striker was at his menacing best – bagging a memorable hat-trick from just a handful of chances – and his form was key to Rodwell’s victory.

However, a lot of credit has to go the Duke for the incredible character they showed throughout the contest.

They fell 2-0 behind in a horrific opening 11 minutes but fought their way back with a tidy finish from Kevin Howe when many were tipping them to crumble.

As early as the third minute, Adam Billings flicked on for Sean Zima, who drilled home a low left-footed drive before a mistake from centre-back Dave Owen enabled Stanton to double the advantage from an acute angle.

However, the Duke recovered and defensive mayhem at the other end saw Lowe make the most of Josh Burton’s uncharacteristic fluffed back-header to strike beyond Anthony Mauger for 2-1.

Late in the half, Stanton twice went close but Neil Innes was equal to both efforts, as he tipped over the first before using an outstretched boot to keep out a low drive to ensure the deficit remained just one at the break.

Just three minutes into the second, an Adam Laing header was then adjudged not to have crossed the line but the league champions did go 3-1 in front just seven minutes later when Izzy Gonzales slipped in Stanton who made no mistake with his finish.

Norton Rogers looked for a quick reply when he overran the ball attempting to round Mauger and then a fine effort from Roger Boyd was pushed away by Innes as the Rodwell went looking for a fourth.

That duly arrived in the 78th minute when Stanton powered his way through the defence before drilling low past the keeper before Russell North grabbed another deserved consolation when his 25-yard lob beat Mauger all ends up.

Afterwards, Rodwell boss Dan Laing said: “I thought we adapted very well to the windy conditions and this win sets us up nicely for the season. As for the Duke, they should have no problems and will give teams plenty to think about in this division.”

Rodwell: Mauger, Weeks, Billings, Miles (Coombes 46), Laing, Ritchie, Gonzales, Stanton, Burton, Boyd, Zima (Flann 77). Sub not used: Canham.

Duke of Albany: Innes, Dixon, Owen, Thomas, Philbrick, Richmond, Rogers, Lowe (Robson 46 (Gregory 83)), Williams, North, Crewe. Sub not used: Coe