26.10.24 – 3.00pm KO  Park Road, Blandford.

Bournemouth Sports extended their unbeaten run to 17 games which includes games from the back of last season with a fantastic 3-2 win against much fancied Blandford United.

The visitors from Chapel Gate started positively and on the front foot and posed some questions early on with long throws into the box from Dan Edwards. Sports winger James Bergin went close from one of these in the 17th minute, but saw his effort just go wide. Bournemouth would take the lead in the 21st minute following a cross into the box from full back Jake Perch which Blandford Keeper Harry Foden punched for the ball to land to striker Sam Darlow to fire home.

James Bergin saw an effort in the 29th minute hit the bar before and against the run of play Blandford were level when Bournemouth defender Matt Ellis was harshly judged to have handled the ball in the area. Steven Smith converted the resulting spot kick which saw Bournemouth captain Eddie Myers “sin binned” for dissent. Ironically playing out the half with 10 men Bournemouth would take the lead when a great run down the right from Jack Voisey saw him pull the ball back for winger James Bergin to fire home from inside the box. HT 1-2

Into the second half and the visitors found themselves 3-1 ahead when James Bergin was picked out with a great pass from midfielder Tom Beckett to score his 12th goal of the season. The Royals would reduce the arrears in the 65th minute when a long throw seemed somehow to end up in the Bournemouth goal with the referee advising that it  hit a Sports player on the way in. Blandford looking for the equaliser hit the bar from a set play in the 75th minute whilst at the other end Bournemouth substitute Taylor Webb raced clear of the Blandford defenders only to be superbly denied by Foden in the Blandford goal.

Sports midfielder Taylor Edwards would see his 30 yard powerful shot hit the crossbar whilst late on Bournemouth held their nerve and defended superbly as the royals literally threw the proverbial kitchen sink at them.

A win that keeps Bournemouth Sports in second place, but only 3 points behind leaders Dorchester Sports and with two games in hand on them.

Bournemouth – Ryan Knibbs, Jake Perch, Matt Ellis, Eddie Myers, Cameron Shaw, Taylor Edwards, Tom Beckett, Dan Edwards, Jack Voisey, Sam Darlow, James Bergin

Substitutes – Gabriel Spennato for Tom Beckett (60), Taylor Webb for Jack Voisey (70), Josh Moody for James Bergin (75)

Picture – Sports Striker Sam Darlow who put his side 1-0 ahead.