Sport
Cheriton Comets shot down by AFC Blackmore Vale Football League May 9 AFC Blandford South Cheriton Comets
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On a distinctly unspring-like morning,this match turned on a decisive period shortly before the break. Looking likely to fall behind to a penalty, following a reckless mistimed challenge on the edge of the area, Blandford were given a reprieve when the spot kick was comfortably saved by the keeper. To compound their good fortune, immediately from the re-start Archie McCarthy found himself in on goal and fired high in the top corner at the near post to put them ahead. Although Comets started to enjoy greater control and possession in the second half, Laws raided the centre back, calmly slotting past the keeper to double the advantage.
A header against the Comets’ bar fell into the arms of the keper but pressure on Blandford began to tell. The lead was halved 15 minutes from time when a shot was partially stopped by Pike but still made its way into the net. In a desperate search for an equaliser in the last ten minutes, Comets hit the outside of both posts with well struck drives and even sent their keeper forward for an injury time corner. The second half also saw a nasty clash (albeit accidental in a 50/50 challenge) with both players carried off. Iain Fullerton n AFC Blandford are poised to become runners-up to runaway champions Wincanton United when the league finishes on June 12. We will publish an interview with the League’s marketing and media officer Jamie Denne in the next issue of the NBV.
SHOULDER CHARGE: Midfield tussle as South Cheriton Comets in blue beat Donhead 4-1 Pic: Connor Standfield
Other results May 9: Bruton United Colts 1 Donhead Barbarians 9; Team Gryphon 8 Bradford Abbas 0; Wincanton Utd 9 Stur Rovers 0.
May 2: Bradford Abbas 7 Bruton United 2; Donhead Barbarians 1 South Cheriton Comets 4; TGR 1 Blandford 2; Wincanton 3 Gryphon 2.
To May 8
P W D L
Wincanton United Team Gryphon South Cheriton Comets AFC Blandford Donhead Barbarians Bradford Abbas TGR Sturminster Rovers * Hazelbury Hornets Bruton United Colts
16 16 0 0 15 7 3 5 15 7 3 5 11 7 1 3 15 6 3 6 15 6 2 7 15 5 2 8 15 5 2 8 8 1 0 7 13 0 2 11
GD 68 9 2 26 27 -4 -10 -17 -38 -63
Pts 48 24 24 22 21 20 17 17 3 2
* Hazelbury withdrew from the league in March
Tisbury bounce back to beat group leaders Chickerell Dorset Senior League Cup May 8 Sturminster Marshall Stalbridge
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Tisbury United Chickerell
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Tisbury were looking to bounce back from their 4-0 pasting on Monday knowing only a win would keep semifinal hopes alive. Leaders Chickerell dominated early exchanges and would have been ahead but for some outstanding saves by Sharks’ goalie 90
Cameron Miller. Lee Gale gave Tisbury the lead then added a second from a free kick 25 yards out. Mike Budd smashed in a third, Chickerell found a way back with a deflected strike but the outstanding Gale completed a hat-trick on the hour. The visitors scored a late consolation but Tisbury deserved victory with a spirited performance. The team were due to play Westland Sports Reserves on Wednesday with victory assuring a semi-final slot
with Merley Cobham Reserves or Chickerell. Failing that Tisbury has a chance to win a semi place in their last game against Beaminster tomorrow. In the other group, Stalbridge gained a creditable draw against Sturminster Marshall in their penultimate game. The two semi-finalists in the group will be between Sturminster, Hamworthy or Broadstone. May 3 Beaminster Tisbury United
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Tisbury were looking for a sixth victory on the spin but Beaminster, without a win in the competition, played with a hunger and physicality that unsettled The Sharks. The home side took the lead on 30 mins with a headed goal from a free kick and after the break, Tisbury pressed for an equaliser. A goal was ruled out for offside, then Beaminster went 2-0 up. Heads dropped and the home side added two in the last minutes to complete a flattering scoreline. Dan Carter
