Sturminster Marshall came away from Churchill Close with a fantastic 3 points against Somerset-based Westlands after a thoroughly entertaining fixture in cold but dry conditions.

After battling to a somewhat-fortunate draw with a depleted side in the reverse fixture, Stur were well aware that this fixture was not going to be an easy one against a side fifth, and two places above them, in the Magna Dorset Premier League. Nevertheless, the home side were extremely motivated to get something out of this game, particularly when the Westlands changing room was overheard discussing a supposedly ‘easy three points’ to be had from the forthcoming fixture.

For most of the first half there was little in the way of clear-cut chances, with both defences holding strong. Stur were showing great levels of commitment, closing down and pressing in all areas of the pitch, putting a lot of pressure on the usually-composed Westlands players.  It was through this that Stur took the lead just before half time. The home side pressed high up the pitch and the captain Williams blocked a clearance which fell neatly into the path of Goodwin on the left-hand side of the box. The home striker ran through before drilling the ball home and into the net. This was a perfect way to end the half and well-deserved for the first half work rate. 1-0.

Inevitably the second half was bound to see Westlands providing a fight back, and this was proved to be the case. Without dominating, the visitors were using the ball better and beginning to create opportunities. This was evidenced when a corner was driven well into the box and an onrushing attacker got clear purchase on the header, leaving a combination of Gage on the post and Talbot (deputising for Shear) in the home goal to scramble the ball off the line. However, Westlands were not to be denied for long; following a move down the Stur left, a cross came in which could not be reached by Wood, subsequently bouncing over Reynolds and into the path of an onrushing winger who made no mistake. 1-1.

For the ensuing 5 to 10 minutes, Stur were a little shell-shocked, having surrendered their lead relatively early in the second period of play. Westlands were dominant during this time, forcing Talbot to make an excellent save, diving low and to his right. However any nerves soon subsided and Stur began to play once more with the passion and desire of the first 45. To this end, S.Thomas down the right chased down a seemingly lost cause, blocking a clearance and causing mayhem on the edge of the Westlands penalty area. This resulted in the away goalkeeper completely missing the ball, leaving Thomas to set the ball to Goodwin, who doubled his tally for the day by placing the ball into the back of the unguarded net. 2-1.

Unfortunately, Stur taking the lead again seemed to spark life into the away side, who again began to attack with renewed vigour. The home side remained strong and, despite evident pressure, withstood most attacks comfortably and without too many problems. Therefore it was even more crushing when, with only minutes left in normal time, a hashed clearance inside the box lead to a ball being floated towards the home goal. Talbot came to punch but was beaten by a Westlands forward. The closing attacker couldn’t miss, rolling the ball home comfortably. It seemed that Stur would have to settle for a point. 2-2.

However, the home side, perhaps buoyed by those derogatory comments made in the away dressing room before the game, never gave up. And so it followed that the influential Jones clipped the ball over the top for Manuel to chase. Finding himself one on one with the keeper with a defender in tow, the league top scorer coolly wrong-footed the Westlands number 1, rounding him to slot home and seal the game deep into stoppage time. 3-2.

Overall a great effort and win created through hardwork, perseverance, teamwork and belief. Two wins on the bounce now and something Stur will be looking to build on with an away trip to Cranborne next week.