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The West Dorset Magazine, March 25, 2022
Sport
McGrath seals the points for Magpies By Stuart Wickham sport@westdorsetmag.co.uk
Kings Langley Dorchester Town
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Harry McGrath scored his first goal for the Magpies to secure a vital win in their quest for survival, as they produced a blistering start to the second half to come from behind against fellow strugglers Kings Langley. McGrath coolly slotted home on 51 minutes, when Olaf Koszela’s blocked effort rebounded into his path, to complete a fantastic comeback and enable them to return to Dorset with the spoils. Just three minutes earlier, McGrath had been the provider for Town’s equaliser, his superb through ball finding Alfie Stanley one-on-one with the Lango keeper Alfie Marriott and the striker
FIRST MAGPIES GOAL: Harry McGrath
made no mistake, firing into the corner with a measured finish. The Magpies’ performance in the second period was in stark contrast to their first half display, in which they mustered only one effort on target, and deservedly trailed to Bradley Wadkins’ 33rd minute strike. Chances were at a premium in a tight opening, although Dorchester may have snatched the lead within the first minute had Stanley been able to make any connection with Billy
Lowes’ drilled effort. The hosts became increasingly threatening as the half wore on with Town struggling to find their rhythm, and they duly took the lead when Wadkins was sent clear of a static Magpies’ defence, and shot past Josh Bycroft into the corner. The mood among the large travelling support was understandably pessimistic at the break, given their recent poor run of form, and their inability to respond when falling
behind. But they came out with renewed purpose and, having stunned their hosts by overturning the deficit, were comfortably the better team for the remainder of the match. Despite missing chances to increase their advantage, the Magpies were resolute in defence and had few alarms on their way to securing a precious victory. The win saw the Magpies leap-frog their opponents to move out of the relegation zone, and they now face high-flying Met Police at the Avenue on Saturday, March 26. Magpies: Bycroft, Hanger, Calverley, Bertrand, Buckley, Wells, McGrath (Odubade 75), Purrington (Gunson 84), Stanley, Lowes, Koszela (Symes 90). Subs not used: Bertie, Slough.
Bees keeper’s match award in eight-goal mauling Mousehole Bridport Town
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Bridport goalkeeper Josh Lucas was awarded the man of the match award against high-flying Mousehole. However his heroic performance could not prevent another heavy defeat and his team’s relegation to Division One of the Toolstation League. The match, played in hurricane-like conditions at Trungle Parc with driving rain and gale force winds, was effectively over as a
contest within the first 15 minutes as Mousehole went 3-0 up with goals from Louis Price, Callam McOnie and Mark Goldsworthy. With the howling wind at their backs, the home side increased their cushion to 5-0 at the break, with McOnie adding his second and Hayden Turner also finding a way past the over-worked Lucas. The Bees enjoyed their best spell at the start of the second half, and Riley Weedon reduced the arrears with a well-struck shot
which arrowed into the bottom corner. Town had further chances to score with long range efforts from Weedon and Mike Hill almost catching out the Mousehole keeper, and Ezra Osei-Kumi and Harry Burwood also going close. The visitors tired in the last quarter of the game, allowing the hosts to score three more to make it 8-1, which flattered them somewhat. McOnie completed his hattrick on 79 minutes, and Goldsworthy added a late pair to stake his own claim
for the match ball. Despite being outplayed and outgunned, the Bees’ again showed plenty of fight, character and professionalism, which drew praise from their opponents’ camp. Mousehole manager Jake Ash said: “It says a lot about Bridport Football Club that they managed to get this one done today on a horrible day. Great group, great manager. They managed to put out a decent side today that caused us a lot of problems and kept going to the end.”
