Weymouth Sports FC

WEYMOUTH SPORTS

FOOTBALL

CLUB

2006-2007 | 2007-2008

Match Reports

2007-2008

TINTINHULL v WEYMOUTH SPORTS

Weymouth Sports travelled to Yeovil to play Tintinhull and came back from being 2-0 down at half time to win 5-2, thanks to second half goals from Paul Hayers, Matty Wash, and a Derek Puckett hatrick. Playing up the slope and into a stiff wind Sports struggled in the first half, with poor passing being the root of their problems. The hosts took the lead after twenty minutes when Sports failed to deal with a cross and left the home striker unmarked to turn the ball in from close range. Tintinhull continued to cause problems from wide areas and went close to extending their lead on several occasions. Then on the stroke of half time an uncharacteristic mistake from Andy Laidlow led to the home side's second goal.

Sports looked much brighter right from the start of the second period and had soon halved the deficit through Paul Hayers. Now Sports were in control and it was only a matter of time before the equaliser came, Matty Wash coming forward from left back to unleash an unstoppable long range effort that found the bottom corner. The host were now unable to cope with constant pressure and Sports took the lead when a driving run from Andy Cleal split the defence allowing him to play in Derek Puckett who coolly found the net. These two linked up in similar fashion for Sports' fourth and Puckett completed his hatrick from close range with ten minutes remaining to round off a come back that seemed so unlikely at half time.

“We were awful in the first half” said manager Gary Bailey. “Our passing and control was as bad as I have seen this season and some of our defending laughable. I had a few harsh words to say at half time and challenged them to get out of the hole they had dug for themselves and far play they responded really well. We looked a completely different side in the second half and showed so much more urgency. All five goals were well taken and we ended up winning comfortably. The second half display is what I expect for 90 minutes every week and shouldn't have to get stuck into them before they produce it.”

Sports:- Dodge, Hicks, Nicholson, (Greeno), Laidlow, Wash, Evans, Cleal, Thorne, De la Planque, (Ruiz), Hayers Puckett.

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STALBRIDGE v WEYMOUTH SPORTS (D.S.L.)

Weymouth Sports returned to action, after an enforced three week lay off, with a 3-0 win away to Struggling Stalbridge. The game was played in terrible conditions with both sides battling to cope with strong winds and driving rain. Sports dominated proceedings right from the start and although kicking against the wind in the first half still managed to play some neat football and create some good goal scoring opportunities but failed to find the net so the half ended goalless. Now with the wind at their backs in the second half Sports were camped in their opponents half and it seemed only a matter of time before the deadlock would be broken. That proved to be the case when Andy Mason, filling in as an emergency centre back, linked up well with Martin Underhay and fired a left foot shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. Sports continued to press and got the all important second goal when Underhay pressured a Paul Hayers cross and forced the defender to turn into his own goal. Now Sports were in total control and rounded off the scoring when Andy Cleal found the net with ten minutes remaining to secure a comfortable win.

“We had 11 players unavailable for selection today for various reasons, ranging from suspension to those who just can't be bothered, and that coupled with the atrocious conditions made this a good result” said manager Gary Bailey. “It was never going to be very pretty to watch because of the weather, but I was pleased that we tried to pass the ball as much as we could and stayed patient as we knew the goals would come with the amount of chances we were creating. We had a lot of old heads and legs out there today, with most of the squad the wrong side of thirty, and when Mickey Greeno came on towards the end we were more like Dad's Army than Weymouth Sports, but when things are difficult a bit of experience goes a long way and all those involved coped very well.”

Sports:- Rutland , Hicks, Mason, Cropper, Wash , Cleal, Thorne, Evans, De la Planque, Underhay, (Greeno), Hayers.

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OKEFORD UTD v WEYMOUTH SPORTS (D.S.L.)

A much depleted Weymouth Sports earned a creditable 1-1 draw away at in form Okeford United. With seven regulars missing and only two recognised defenders in the team Sports were forced to ring the changes, play several players out of position. But despite these problems the visitors took the game to Okeford, playing some attractive football at times. Having enjoyed much of the possession Sports were unlucky to go a goal down mid way through the first half, the home striker charging down a Rutland clearance and turning the ball into an empty net, although there was more than a suspicion of handball in the original block, which was missed my the official, and left Sports infuriated. The seasiders continued the pass the ball well and were deservedly back on level terms before the break, Tommy Hastie steering the ball home after United failed to clear a Bochonko corner.

The second half never saw the same football being played as the first, a strong wind playing its part in that, although both sides had their chances to win it, but poor finishing at both ends saw the game end in a 1-1 draw.

“We were down to the bare bones today and I had to ask several players to play in unfamiliar positions, but they all responded superbly and maybe deserved to get more than a draw out of the game” said manager Gary Bailey. “We definitely passed the ball better than them and were disappointed that the handball that led to their goal went unpunished. We showed good spirit today in difficult circumstances and the players should be pleased with themselves, if we had that level of commitment all the way through the squad week in week out we wouldn't go far wrong.

Sports: - Rutland , De la Planque, Cropper, Laidlow, Nicholson, Hastie, ( Wash ), Ruiz, Standen, Bochonko, Cleal, Puckett.

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WEYMOUTH SPORTS v AC MATRAVERS (D.S.L.)

Weymouth Sports returned to winning ways with a comfortable 3-0 victory over AC Matravers at Cranford Avenue . The hosts took the lead early in the first half when Derek Puckett latched on to a Paul Hayers flick to find the net from a tight angle. Sports continued to dominate but wasted several good opportunities to increase their lead and the half ended 1-0. The second half was a scrappy affair, not helped by the bobbly pitch, but Sports always held the upper hand and mid way though the half got the second goal they deserved, Puckett heading home Hayers' cross to finish off a good passing move. Puckett completed his hatrick and secured the points for Sports with a late penalty.

“We never got out of third gear today which lead us to being a bit sloppy with our passing at times, although the surface at Cranford isn't the best at the moment so that didn't help.” said Gary Bailey. “We could have had a hatful of goals with the amount of chances we created but some of our decision making in front of goal let us down. Having said that we were always in total control of the game and I am pleased with another clean sheet and the three points.

Sports: - Rutland , Seal, Alcock, Laidlow, Cropper, Cleal, Jones, (Ruiz), Hastie, Bochonko, Puckett, Hayers, (Nicholson). Sub not used Mason.

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WEYMOUTH SPORTS v CHICKERELL UTD (D.S.L.)

Chickerell came out narrow 1-0 winners in this closely contested local derby with Weymouth Sports at Cranford Avenue . Chickerell took the lead, slightly against the run of play, after fifteen minutes, Etherington scoring at the back post after Sports failed to pick up his run. Sports took a while to recover from the set back but as the half wore on they started to pose a threat of their own, Hastie and Hayers causing problems for the Chicken's rearguard.

Sports job was made even harder early in the second half when Tommy Hastie was shown a red card for a second bookable offence, leaving the hosts to chase the game with only ten men. Losing a man never stopped Sports from trying to back into the game and they thought they had drawn level when Hayers found the net with a close range header, only to see his effort ruled out for off side. Sports survived a couple of late scares, getting caught short handed at the back, as they committed men forward in an effort to rescue a point, but the game ended 1-0 to the league leaders.

“We are obviously disappointed to have lost but I am pleased with commitment of my players” said Gary Bailey. “I thought we were a match for them today, it was a typical local derby with lots a blood and thunder but not too much quality football being played. I am not happy with the way we defended for their goal as we went to sleep on the back post and never went with the runner, which is something we spoke about before the game, but apart from that we coped well at the back. The red card never helped our cause but we kept on pressing and I felt we probably deserved to get something out of the game. Good luck to Chickerell though; they have had a tremendous season so far and are worthy league leaders in my opinion”.

Sports:- Rutland , Seal, Alcock, Laidlow, Cropper, (Underhay), Cleal, Jones, Bochonko, Stanton , Hastie, Hayers. Subs not used Nicholson, Ruiz.

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BROADMAYNE v WEYMOUTH SPORTS (D.S.L.)

Sports bounced back from last weeks defeat with an emphatic 8-0 win over Broadmayne at Dorchester Rec. Sports were on top right from the start of this one sided contest and found themselves 3-0 up at the break. The Weymouth side continued to dominate in the second half, eventually scoring 5 more to secure a comfortable win and the three points. Derek Puckett scoring 5 of the 8 goals with the others coming from Paul Hayers, Pete Bochonko and Andy Cleal.

“We conducted ourselves very well today and put in a solid performance” said Gary Bailey. “Broadmayne are obviously having a tough time at the moment and weren't the best today but you can only beat what's in front of you. At half time, we asked the players to keep the pressure on in the second period because there is a danger of just going through the motions when things get easy, which they did. We were still a bit sloppy at times with our passing, and with Chickerell coming up next week that will have to improve, but it is hard to be too critical when you score 8 and keep a clean sheet so all in all it was a good result and pleasing to score a few goals on the way”.

Sports:- Rutland , Seal, Mason, Laidlow, Stanton , Cleal, Hastie, Bochonko, Hayers, (Evans), Puckett, Standen, (Ruiz)

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BOURNEMOUTH UNIVERSITY v WEYMOUTH SPORTS (D.S.L.)

Weymouth Sports crashed to a 6-1 defeat at the hands of Bournemouth University at Chapel Gate. After a very even first half Sports were unfortunate to find themselves 2-1 down at the interval, Derek Puckett heading the visitors goal. But two quick second half goals saw the wheels come off for Sports and two further goals, one a penalty and one a long range free kick, compounded the Weymouth sides misery.

“I am at a loss to explain that second half display” said Gary Bailey. “We were more than a match for them in the first half and were confident at half time that we could get a positive result. I just can't understand or accept our second half performance, we just threw the towel in when things went against us. I just hope the players feel as disappointed and embarrassed as Mikey Greeno and I do, as they have let themselves and the Club down this weekend”.

Sports:- Cottingham, Seal, Alcock, Cropper, Read, Cleal, Nicholson, (De la Planque), Bochonko, Evans, Hayers, (Hastie), Puckett.

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WEYMOUTH SPORTS v WAREHAM RANGERS (D.S.L.)

Weymouth Sports returned to winning ways with a well deserved 4-1 victory against Wareham Rangers at Cranford Avenue .

The home side came flying out of the blocks and dominated the early exchanges, taking the lead through a Andy Cleal strike after 15 minuets. Sports soon found themselves two up after Hayers smashed the ball into the roof of the net from an acute angle.

With Andy Mason and Matty Jones pulling the strings in midfield Sports continued to cause their visitors problems and a deserved third goal came when the hard working Derek Puckett found the net, taking Sports in three goals to the good at half time.

Wareham enjoyed more possession during the second period but the well organised home defence limited them to mostly long range efforts. Then with twenty minutes to go Sports put the game to bed, with a fourth goal, from an Andy Cleal header from close range. Wareham got themselves a consolation goal from a well taken free kick but it was too little too late and the game ended 4-1 to the hosts.

“The lads were excellent and fully deserved this win” said manager Gary Bailey. “We asked the players for a reaction after last week's poor display and they responded superbly. We have been threatening to score goals all season but today we took our chances when they came which made a huge difference. We worked hard all over the pitch and never let Wareham find any rhythm, which was important as they can be a dangerous side if you allow them to play. The players have now set themselves a standard and it is down to them to try and maintain it for the remainder of the season”.

Sports Cottingham, Seal, Alcock, Cropper, Stanton , Mason, (Nicholson), Cleal, Jones, Evans, Hayers, (Ruiz), Puckett, (De La Planque).

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WEYMOUTH SPORTS v KANGAROOS (D.S.L.)

Weymouth Sports played their first game for three weeks and had to settle for a disappointing draw against Kangaroos from Dorchester . The game was a scrappy affair, both sides struggling to get to grips with an uneven surface, although Sports looked the most likely to open the scoring with Hayers, Hastie, Evans and Cleal all having goal bound efforts blocked. The visitors did trouble Sports midway through the first half, hitting the bar with a looped shot after a good passing move. Sports continued to ask questions with a succession of corners but Kanga's backline held firm and the half ended goalless.

The second period saw Sports desperately looking for the opening goal and were committing men forward in numbers, although Kangaroo looked dangerous on the break, and they took the lead after catching the home side short in midfield, allowing a cross from the right and a free header in the six yard box to make it 1-0.

The home side responded well to going a goal down and were soon back on level terms, when their best passing move of the game opened up a shooting chance for Andy Cleal, who found the net with a low drive from the edge of the box. Sports continued to press for the winner but some poor finishing and fine goalkeeping denied them and game ended in a 1-1 draw.

“I thought we were poor today” said manager Gary Bailey. “We never passed the ball well enough and once again wasted some good goal scoring opportunities. It was only our second game in six or seven weeks and we looked like a side short on match practice, which was what we were worried about going into the game. Having said that we created plenty of chances, and for the most part looked solid at the back, but like so many times this season we lacked the composure and the ruthlessness in front of goal to make the chances count. We went a bit gun ho in search of a goal and completely lost our shape so we need to improve our positional discipline and be more patient with our passing as we have some tough fixtures coming up in the next few weeks”.

Sports: - Cottingham, Seal, Laidlow, Cropper, Stanton , Cleal, Ruiz, (Mason), Bochonko, (Hicks), Evans, Hastie, Hayers. Sub not used Nicholson.

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EASTON UTD v WEYMOUTH SPORTS (D.S.L.)

1-1

report to follow

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ALLENDALE v WEYMOUTH SPORTS (D.S.L.)

Sports got back to winning ways with an impressive 3-0 win away to Allendale. After dominating a goalless first half, Sports took the lead three minutes after the restart, Tommy Hastie showing good strength to hold off a challenge and bend a shot into the net from the edge of the box. Sports extended their lead when Pete Bochonko cut in from the left and slotted home past the advancing keeper. Allendale then enjoyed their best period of the game and started to ask questions of Sports defence, but they weathered the storm and Derek Puckett made the game safe with ten minutes remaining, scoring a good individual goal from a tight angle.

“The lads showed tremendous character today, we were down to the bare bones with eight players unavailable for various reasons, so to come here and perform like that was very pleasing” said Gary Bailey. “We passed the ball well on what was not a great surface and worked hard for each other when we lost it. We said at half time if we stayed patient and kept playing the way we were that the goals would come. Allendale had a good ten minute spell after we went two up but we held firm at the back and deserved the three points. It shows what a good squad we have here and if we can get some consistency we are a match for anyone in this league”.

Sports: Rutland , Hicks, Alcock, Laidlow , Wash , (Greeno), Cleal, Ruiz, Hastie, Bochonko, Hayers, Puckett.

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WEYMOUTH SPORTS v BOURNEMOUTH UNIVERSITY (D.S.L.)

Sports suffered their first home league defeat of the season, losing 3-2 to Bournemouth University at a wet and windy Cranford Avenue . Sports started brightly and were certainly on top in the opening exchanges, but found themselves a goal down after indecision and poor marking allowed the Students to score on what was their first meaningful attack. However Sports responded well and were soon back on level terms after a neat passing move released Matty Jones in the box who coolly found the bottom corner. The hosts then wasted a glorious chance to take a deserved lead when Paul Hayers missed the target when clean through on goal. Matters got worse for the home side when the defence failed to deal with a hopeful long ball allowing the visitors to take lead again, and the Bournemouth side made it 3-1 minutes later when some slack marking from a throw in allowed a free cross into the box, which flew over everyone's head and found the top corner of the net. Sports again reacted well and reduced the arrears when Hayers stabbed the ball home from close range.

The adverse weather conditions made the second half a complete lottery and Sports cause was not helped when Jones was sent off for two yellow cards. The hosts kept pushing for an equaliser without success, Puckett missing wildly while through on goal and a Hayers effort coming off the post were the closest they came to saving the game.

“We have lost a game in which we have easily played well enough to have won” said Gary Bailey. “They never really looked like hurting us but we have gifted them all three of their goals through poor defending. What infuriates me is we ask the players to get the basics right defensively and we failed to do that on three occasions today. For large parts of the game we were the better side but as the conditions worsened and we lost Matty Jones, to what we thought were two soft bookings considering the state of the pitch, it was always going to be an uphill struggle. The players need to start taking some responsibility and cut out the mistakes defensively and at the other end with so many missed chances which are proving so costly”.

Sports: Rutland , Underhay, Alcock, Laidlow, Cropper, Jones, Cleal, Hastie, Bochonko, Hayers, Puckett, (Ruiz).

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WEYMOUTH SPORTS v BROADMAYNE (D.S.L.)

Weymouth Sports got back to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Broadmayne at Cranford Avenue . Sports enjoyed most of the early possession and had wasted several scoring opportunities before taking a deserved lead after thirty five minutes, through an Andy Cleal header. After losing midfielder Andy Mason late in the first half and Chris Evans early in the second, both to hamstring injuries, Sports never really recaptured their early passing dominance and the game became a scrappy affair. Although the home side produced enough chances to kill the game off in the second period they failed to take them and had to endure a nervy last few minutes, in the failing light, to hold on to the much needed three points.

“It was important to get the win today” said Gary Bailey. “We passed the ball well in the first half and could have been three up at the break. The longer the game went on at 1-0 the scrappier it became which suited them. We were a bit wasteful in front of goal, which has been a recurring theme this season, and that meant the last few minutes were a bit tense, but we were solid at the back all game and earned the clean sheet. Everyone worked their socks off today and deserved the three points”.

Sports: Rutland, De la Planque, Alcock, Laidlow, Stanton, Mason. (Puckett), Jones, Evans, ( Underhay), Cleal, Bochonko, Hastie, (Greeno).

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AC MATRAVERS v WEYMOUTH SPORTS (D.S.L.)

Weymouth Sports suffered their third league defeat of the season, losing 4-2 away to AC Matravers. Sports found themselves 3-0 down in the first thirty minutes, and despite a spirited display in the second half and goals from Chris Evans and Gerry De la Planque they could not haul themselves back into the game. Then a forth goal from the hosts, with five minutes to go, sealed their fait.

“We gave ourselves a mountain to climb in the first half an hour, when we were all over the place” said Gary Bailey. “They got lucky with a hand ball decision for their third goal, just when we looked like we had recovered from the bad start, and that effectively killed us off. We battled hard in the second half and dominated much of the play but it was too much to ask in the end. We have had a few comings and goings over the last couple of weeks and that coupled with injuries and unavailability means that we have not been able to get a settled side, especially at the back, and that showed in the first half. No matter how good individuals are you need stability and that is something we will be working to achieve over the next few weeks”.

Sports: Rutland , Hicks, Reed, Cropper, Underhay, (Ruiz), Mason, Cleal, Evans, Bochonko, (De la Planque), Hayers, Puckett.

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WEYMOUTH SPORTS v WAREHAM RANGERS (TROPHY)

Weymouth Sports crashed out of the Senior Trophy, suffering a 0-5 home defeat at the hands of Wareham Rangers. After enjoying the best of the opening exchanges Sports found themselves going a goal down, to an unstoppable shot, on the half hour mark.

The second half saw Sports struggle to make an impact on the game and with twenty minutes to go Wareham made it 2-0. Now committing men forward, in an attempt to rescue the tie, the home side conceded a third which ended the match as a contest. Sports all but gave up in the closing minutes allowing Wareham to score two more goals, giving the final score line a lop-sided feel.

“We are obviously disappointed with the result and performance” said Manager Gary Bailey. “Other than the first twenty minutes or so we didn't pass the ball well enough today, playing too many long balls, and were less than convincing defensively for at least two of their goals. The 5-0 score line was a bit flattering to Wareham , but fair play to them they were better side on the day and we wish them luck in the next round. We will now be looking for a vast improvement, individually and collectively, in all departments, when we return to league action next week”.

Sports: Gregg, Underhay, (Puckett), Alcock, Cleal, Cropper, Evans, Mason, Jones, De la Planque, (Stanton), Hayers, Bochonko.

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WEYMOUTH SPORTS v TINTINHULL (D.S.L.)

A Paul Hayers hatrick gave Weymouth Sports a deserved win against Tintinhull at Cranford Avenue . Right from the start it was the home side dominating proceedings, with Jones, Hayers and new signing Pete Bochonko all going close, with veteran mason pulling the strings in midfield. The visitor's only real threat coming from set pieces, where Copland was a danger with his aerial presence, causing problems for the home defence on a couple of occasions. Although Sports were on top for much of the half they were unable to break the deadlock and the sides went in at half time all square.

Sports appeared to find another gear at the start of the second half and took the lead after ten minutes, Hayers running on to a Mason through ball to fire home low into the corner. Now with the lead the home side really took control and soon found themselves two up, Hayers again finding the net with a low drive. At 2-0 Sports seemed to lift off the gas for a while and this allowed Tintinhull to enjoy a spell of possession, again looking dangerous from corners and free kicks, but unable to break down a stubborn home back line. Then with twenty five minutes to go the game was over as a contest, Hayers completing his hatrick and securing all three points for Sports.

“We were down to the bare bones today, after several last minute withdrawals, so we are delighted with the player's performance and attitude” said manager Gary Bailey. Even though we were on top in the first half, at half time, we asked the lads to raise the tempo in the second period, and that seemed to make the difference. Paul Hayers' took all his goals well and we created plenty of other chances. Pete Bochonko was a threat all game and Matty Jones was disappointed not to have scored at least two. The defence deserved their clean sheet; they kept their discipline and concentration which is what we ask of them going into games. It was a good all round performance and will give us confidence going into next weeks Cup tie against Wareham ”.

Sports – Rutland, Underhay, Alcock, Laidlow, A. Hayers, Thorne, Mason, (Purnell), Jones, De la Planque, (Hastie), P. Hayers, (Ruiz), Bochonko.

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WEYMOUTH SPORTS v ALLENDALE (D.S.L.)

Weymouth Sports got back to winning ways with a 3-2 victory, in a very entertaining game, at home against Allendale. Sports found themselves a goal down after twenty minutes, against the run of play, but responded well and were soon back on level terms through a Mark Nicholson goal. Sports continued to dominate after the break and took the lead when Paul Hayers found the net with a cool finish. The host were then rocked as Allendale levelled things up with the goal of the game, an unstoppable shot from the left that flew into the top corner.

Sports wasted no time in responding and thought they had scored when a visiting defender scored an own goal, only to see it disallowed unbelievably for offside. Then with twenty minutes remaining Sports were awarded a penalty which was neatly dispatched by Chris Evans to give Sports all 3 points.

“We asked the players for a reaction today, after last weeks performance, and they did exactly what we asked of them, which is very pleasing.” Said assistant manager Mickey Greeno. “Their work rate was good and at times we played some decent football. Although it ended 3-2 we were always on top and could have easily scored a few more goals. We will now looking to get a run of results going and get ourselves in the mix.”

Sports: - Rutland , Wallis, Cleal, Alcock, Cropper, Mason, Thorne, (Purnell), Evans, Nicholson, Hayers, Underhay, (De la Planque) sub not used Laidlow.

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KANGAROOS v WEYMOUTH SPORTS (D.S.L.)

A last gasp free kick from Sam Parnell salvaged a point for Weymouth Sports in a 2-2 draw with Kangaroos in Dorchester .

Sports found themselves a goal behind, against the run of play, after twenty five minutes, the home striker finishing from a tight angle after a powerful run down the left wing. After missing several good chances Sports levelled the scores, just before half time, through a Matty Jones penalty, awarded for hand ball.

The second half saw Sports enjoying plenty of possession and a second goal was looking likely to come their way, although the hosts always posed a threat on the break. Then with ten minutes remaining Kangaroos got a surprise second goal, scoring from a free kick that looped over the head of Nick Gregg in the visitor's goal. With time running out Sports threw everything at getting a goal back but it all looked in vain until Parnell blasted home a free kick into the top corner with what turned out to be the last kick of the game.

“For the first time this season I am a little disappointed with our performance, too many people were off the pace and we made too many individual mistakes.” Said manager Gary Bailey. “We did have our chances to win it, but I am getting tired of saying if only we had taken our chances, it's about time we started to. Their front two were a handful and caused us problems all game and we are disappointed with how we conceded both goals. One positive point was how we kept pushing for the equaliser right to the end, it was a great strike from Sam to earn the draw”.

Sports: Gregg, Underhay, (Parnell), Wallis, Alcock, Laidlow, (Hicks), Thorne, Jones, Ruiz, (Evans), Cleal, Hayers, Armstrong.

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WEYMOUTH SPORTS v OKEFORD UTD (D.S.L.)

Having threatened to do it over the last few weeks, Sports got the goals that secured them a 3-0 victory over Okeford United at Cranford Avenue .

After dominating long periods of play and going close on several occasions through Armstrong, Cleal and Jones it looked like it was going to be one of those days again for Sports as the first half ended 0-0.

The home side started the second half really brightly and it seemed only a matter of time before the opening goal would come, again Armstrong and substitute Hayers going close. The hosts then had to weather a mini revival for Okeford, who themselves were threatening on the break. It was 25 minutes into the second half before the breakthrough came, Matt Jones find the net after a series of blocked shots in the visitor's area. The relief was noticeable and Sports were now playing with much more freedom and the second goal was not long coming, Hayers running on to a neat through ball from Andy Mason, to slot home past the advancing keeper. Now with a cushion Sports looked comfortable and were in total control and, with time running out, made the points secure when Hayers found the net again to score his second and Sport's third to round off a good afternoon for the Sporties.

“We have been playing well and threatening to score goals all season” said manager Gary Bailey. “It looked like it was going to be the same again today as we wasted some good chances in the first half. But we knew if we stayed patient, and kept playing the way we were, the goals would come and in the end we were fairly comfortable winners. It's a relief to get three points, and hopefully we can now build on this performance and get our season going.”

Sports: - Gregg, Underhay, Wallis, Laidlow, Hicks, Thorne, Jones, (Ruiz), Parnell, (Hayers), Mason, Armstrong, Cleal, (McGarrigal).

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WAREHAM RANGERS v WEYMOUTH SPORTS (D.S.L.)

It was a game of two halves when Wareham Rangers and Weymouth Sports played out a 1-1 draw at Purbeck Leisure Centre.

There was nothing to choose between the two sides in the opening minutes as the game started at lighting pace. Gradually Sports got to grips in midfield and started to enjoy more of the possession and went close on a couple of occasions with headers from Andy Cleal. Then on seventeen minutes Sports took the lead, Tommy Hastie finding the net with a speculative shot from long range that squirmed under the home keeper. Sports looked odds on to increase their lead as they continued creating chances, the best falling to Hastie, who saw his stooping header come back off the post with the keeper beaten. Wareham still posed a threat on the break and Gregg in the visitor's goal was called upon on a couple of occasions to keep the lead in tact.

The second period began and it was now Wareham asking all the questions, going close several times. With Sports now on the back foot it seemed only a matter of time before the equaliser would come, and the home side thought they had it when Gregg spilt a cross, but recovered before being bundled over the line with the ball, the referee disallowing the goal for the foul. Then minutes later the scores were level, a long, high ball tempted Gregg off his line but the home forward beat him to it to head home. The last fifteen minutes were tense as both sides had chances to win it but the defences held firm and the game ended in an honourable draw.

“I thought we were terrific in the first half and could have been three up at the break” said Manager Gary Bailey. “We really controlled midfield and once again created some good chances. Unfortunately we never got going in the second half which disappointed us, although credit to Wareham, they never let us play after half time and threw everything at us to get back into the game, creating plenty of chances of their own, so in the end a draw was a fair reflection of the game. I am sure it was a good game to watch as a neutral with so much goalmouth action from both sides.”

Sports: - Gregg, Underhay, (Hicks), Alcock, Wallis, Laidlow, Thorne, Jones, (Ruiz), Nicholson, Evans, (Hillier), Hastie, Cleal.

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WEYMOUTH SPORTS v STALBRIDGE (D.S.L.)

Despite having 90% of the play and creating enough chances to win four games Sports had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Stalbridge at Cranford Avenue .

The home side were on top right from the start and it looked like only a matter of time before the goals would come, but several fine saves from the visiting keeper and some wasteful finishing began to frustrate the seasider's. Eventually Sports got the goal they deserved through Matty Jones, the midfielder finding the net from inside the box to finish off a good passing move.

Sports continued to create chances in the second half and twice looked odds on to extend their lead through striker Underhay, first the forward hit the bar when clean through on goal with only the keeper to beat and then missed a penalty after Jones had been felled in the box. Then with fifteen minutes remaining Stalbridge hit Sports with a sucker punch, on a rare attack, a hopeful ball was played into the box and when Karnan Thorne missed his clearance the ball was played across the area and driven home from eight yards to bring the scores level. Sports tried everything to get the winner but to no avail and had to settle for a disappointing draw.

“Having created so many chances it is disappointing to only score one goal and have to settle for a draw” said manager Gary Bailey. “We completely dominated the game but it is all about scoring goals and we failed to do that on the day and paid the price. On the whole our general play is ok but our lack of goals has left me and Mick Greeno scratching our heads for the answers. At 1-0 there is always the chance of getting caught and that is exactly what happened.”

Sports: - Carter, Thorne, Wallis, McGarrigal, (Hicks), Laidlow, Stanton, Jones, Cleal, Hastie, (Nicholson), Armstrong, Underhay, (Hillier).

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WITCHAMPTON v WEYMOUTH SPORTS (D.S.L.)

Sports suffered their second defeat in three games when they lost 1-0 away to Witchampton.

Once again Sports got off to a lively start and were enjoying the upper hand in the early exchanges, although goal scoring chances were scarce. As the half wore on Witchampton's physical approach eased them into the game and the Seasiders were lucky to survive as their rear guard was breached twice in quick succession, by long balls over the top, with Sports defenders forced to commit last ditch fouls on the edge of the box to prevent themselves going a goal down.

The second half saw Sports regain their early momentum and were looking the most likely to open the scoring, although clear cut chances were still hard to come by. Then with thirty minutes left to play the Witches hit Sports on the break, the visitors failed to deal with a left wing cross and the home striker turned the ball home to score what turned out to be the winning goal. The Weymouth side then through everything at trying to get back into the game, and thought they had done so, only to see a long range shot from Armstrong hit the bar, with the keeper beaten. Substitute Mason started to pull the strings in midfield at went close on several occasions but it wasn't to be as the Witches held out for a hard fought win.

“It just didn't happen for us today” said Gary Bailey. “We had too many people playing out of position due to the unavailability of several players which never helped our shape at the back and things never clicked in the final third. We knew it was going to be a tough game and fair play to them they worked very hard and made things difficult for us. I can't fault the effort of my players though, they gave it their all to try and get back into it. We must now bounce back next week”.

Sports:- Carter, Thorne, Cleal, Wallis, Stanton, Hastie, Jones, Parnell, (Mason), Armstrong, Hillier, (Hicks), Underhay, (McGarrigal).

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WEYMOUTH SPORTS v MORETON (D.S.L.)

Weymouth Sports got their first points on the board with a hard fought 3-1 win over local rivals, from Dorchester , Moreton.

Sporties got off to a bright and looked threatening down both flanks in the early stages, although Moreton were proving hard to break down. The deadlock was broken on twenty five minutes, Olly Stanton finding the net with a smart finish, rounding off a neat passing move. Five minutes later Sports were denied what looked a stone wall penalty when Hayers appeared to be barged away from a high bouncing ball. It was now Moreton's turn to enjoy a spell of pressure which ended with the home side conceding a penalty, when Karnan Thorne was adjudged to be holding a Moreton striker. Robby Taylor made no mistake from the spot to take the teams in level at half time.

Sports appeared more composed at the beginning of the second half and were dominating proceedings. With fifteen minutes of the half gone they were awarded a penalty of their own, Hayers breaking into the box only to be brought down by the on rushing keeper. Martin Underhay stepped up to take the resulting penalty, finding the bottom left corner with a firm strike. Now with their noses in front Sports never looked troubled and secured all three points when Underhay scored his second, running on to a long through ball the former Bridport player showed good strength to hold off a defender and slot the ball home into the bottom right hand corner.

“Its good to get the first win under our belts” said Manager Gary Bailey. “Moreton were tough to break down today and worked very hard. We were not very happy with our passing in the first half but we improved in the second half and once we got the second goal I thought we look fairly comfortable and deserved the three points”

Sports: - Carter, Thorne, Underhay, Cleal, Laidlow, Hastie, Jones, Parnell, (Ruiz), Stanton, Hayers, (Evans), Armstrong, (McGarrigal).

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CHICKERELL UTD v WEYMOUTH SPORTS (D.S.L.)

Weymouth Sports lost their opening game of the season, going down 2-1 to an injury time goal in a hotly contested local derby with Chickerell Utd.

With six players in the starting eleven makings their competitive debuts Sports got off to a bright start and were unlucky not to take the lead when a Paul Hayers effort came back off the post after just 5 minutes. As the half wore on Chickerell began to take the upper hand, as Sports were wasteful with their passing, and breached Sports back line on several occasions, Sports relying on Carter in goal to keep the scores level. Then with 15 minutes of the half remaining the deadlock was broken, Nick Etherington breaking free from his marker to fire the Chickens in front with a powerful shot.

The second half started and Sports seemed to have regained their early dominance, and were now causing problems of their own to the Chickerell rearguard. With 25 minutes remaining Tommy Hastie released Hayers with a great through ball, the striker bursting clear of the defence to get a shot on goal which was blocked by the keeper, but Chris Armstrong was on hand to convert the rebound and level the scores at 1-1.

Having got right back in the game Sports found themselves on the back foot in the closing minutes, losing Armstrong to a calf injury and being forced to play out the remainder of the game with 10 men, having used all three subs. It was in added time that they were dealt the killer blow, after Sports failed to clear on several occasions, Chickerell delivered the ball into the box, found a free man who found the net to take the spoils.

“It is always disappointing to lose in the dying seconds” said Manager Gary Bailey, “They were the better side in the first half and we were not happy with our passing game but I thought our second half performance was much improved and I think we deserved to get a point. We need to learn to clear our lines at times and we have paid the price for not doing it today.”

Sports: - Carter, Wash , (Ruiz), Underhay, Wallis, Laidlow, (Parnell), Hastie, Jones, Cleal, Stanton , Hayers, (Hillier), Armstrong.

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VALE REC v WEYMOUTH SPORTS (Friendly)

Weymouth Sports completed their pre season preparations with a trip to Guernsey where they enjoyed a 4-0 win at Vale Rec FC.

With an eleven o clock kick off the game was played in sweltering conditions but it was Sports who got off to a flying start, taking the lead with in ten minutes, with Paul Hayers finishing smartly by lobbing the keeper from just inside the area. Sports continued to pass the ball well and had the lion's share of the possession, but their hosts still posed a threat on the break, although Carter in the visitor's goal was rarely tested. After a quiet period in the middle of the half and a bout of substitutions it was Sports who finished the half the stronger, Dan Mcgarrigal going close on two occasions, one a miss placed header and the other a wild shot from the edge of the box, both missing the target and Sports ended the half with a 1-0 lead.

The Second half began with more changes from Sports and it was not long before the second goal came from the penalty spot. Marc Hillier was pulled back in the box when clear through on goal and it was Hillier who coolly converted the resulting spot kick to make it 2-0 to Sports. The visitors were now in total control and soon scored their third, Hayers again finding the net in similar fashion to his first but this time with his left foot. A good passing move followed by a quality Chris Evans cross and sharp finish by Hillier from six yards completed the scoring for Sports. More substitutions didn't help the flow of the game and the Weymouth side just played out the remaining minutes for a comfortable win.

“We played well today at times” said manager Gary Bailey. “I was pleased with how we passed the ball and that we created plenty of chances. We have looked sharper with every game over pre season. The new players we have brought in have settled in well and we are all looking forward to the start of the season.”

Sports: - Carter, Wash , Underhay, Cleal, Laidlow, Parnell, Ruiz, Stanton , Armstrong, Hastie, Hayers, Thorne, McGarrigal, Evans, Hillier.

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