DORCHESTER SPORTS 2

WIMBORNE TOWN RES 2

DORCHESTER Sports had to settle for a 2-2 draw after Wimborne Town Reserves recovered from 2-0 down in their Dorset Premier League meeting.

Sports went into the game as underdogs, Wimborne enjoying a stellar season in third place, but the hosts fought their way into a solid lead with a goal in each half.

Before kick-off, Sports were forced to hand young goalkeeper Sam Duncalf his maiden start after an injury to regular number one Nick Hutchings.

And he justified his selection with two impressive saves in the first half to keep at bay both Luke Sheehy, back at Wimborne on dual registration with Portland, plus Addwell Chipangura.

READ MORE: Dan Sheehy flourishing at Dorchester Sports

Wimborne bossed possession all game with close to a 75 per cent share of the ball, but instead it was Sports who took the lead as Owen Peart continued his fine goalscoring form with a 20-yard drive.

In the second half, Peart then turned provider when his free-kick was met by the head of Josh Leake for 2-0.

Wimborne at first looked rattled by the second goal but the Magpies were handed a lifeline by the impressive Charlie Wooding’s long-range strike on 70 minutes.

His goal gave way to intense Wimborne pressure in the final stages and the Magpies duly found an equaliser as Finley Toghill nodded home a cross from the right flank.

Neither side conjured a major chance to win the game, Sports coming closest when Alex Godfrey’s effort fizzed wide from just outside box.

Speaking to Echosport after watching his side earn a point that keeps them in tenth place, Sports’ boss Ashley James said: “We didn’t create loads but we put two away.

“They moved the ball really well and (Wooding) ran the game in midfield, he must’ve been young but he was very good.

“I thought we were brilliant the way we defended. At 2-0 up I couldn’t see them scoring because we were defending so well.

“They had the majority of the chances but Sam was brilliant in goal. The game changed with 20 minutes to go, they were really on top.

“Unfortunately, we conceded the second and in the end we were happy with a draw but disappointed not to win.”

Sports are again at the Avenue Stadium on Saturday (2pm) to host Portland United Reserves.

Dorch Sports: Duncalf, Sands, Browne, Steele, O’Shaughnessy, Watts (McFetridge 89), Brumble (McNamara 75), D Sheehy, O Peart (Kelly 80), Leake (Read 77), Godfrey. Sub not used: Record.