Sturminster Marshall approached this encounter with full confidence restored following their 4-2 win over Dorchester Sports. However, they were up against fellow rivals, Milborne Sports where they knew a tough test was certainly in store. 

Stur welcomed back Luke Goddard to their ranks and were hoping that he would be the catalyst towards a consecutive victory, with manager James Foster deciding on a 4-4-2 formation with Richard Davies making way for the young, utility man after he was injured early on.

Despite a promising opening for Stur with neat touches shown by the improving Jack Fendley and David Johnston, they lacked the attacking impetus as leading scorer Paul Glenister remained isolated up front alongside Rob.

With both teams showing their attacking intent, it was the home side that broke the deadlock. Some static defending allowed the ball to be crossed in from the left flank and this caused havoc in the Stur defence allowing the Milborne striker to nod past the despairing dive of Andy Talbot.

Milborne continued to press and were handed the ultimate lifeline when Luke Goddard picked up what seemed an innocuous injury. However, it was not the case and he was forced off with only 15 minutes on the clock with Richard Davies replacing him on the left flank.

Stur continued to try and press the compact Milborne side but were limited to chasing lost causes with both Richard Davies and David Johnston growing frustrated on both wings. However, they recorded their first effort on goal when Erkan Mete struck a tame low and hard free kick towards goal which was foiled with ease by the Milborne stopper.

As half time approached and with both teams limiting themselves to half chances, the game was thrown in to disarray as Stur keeper, Andy Talbot, was adjudged to have prevented a goal scoring opportunity and received a straight red after bringing down the Milborne midfielder when through on goal.

This meant that Ciaran Miller was the man to put on the gloves and he was pulled straight in to action with Milborne having been awarded a free kick just outside the 18 yard box. However, their chance came to nothing with Paul Glenister showing his defensive ability by clearing the ball off the line.

The second half continued with Milborne pressing for the decisive second goal and they were rewarded mid way through the second half when fill –in keeper, Ciaran Miller brought down the Milbourne forward in the penalty box.

Despite the despairing dive of Miller, he was well beaten by the Milbourne penalty taker but luck was on his side as he saw the penalty kick rebound off the inside of the post and scrambled to safety.

This lucky escape made Stur kick on and believe that they could salvage something out of the game.

Good work from Ryan Hall down the left flank gave Stur their first corner kick of the game. This enabled Richard Davies to whip in a dangerous in swinging cross which was nearly met at the back post by the onrushing Paul Glenister.

As time past by and with Stur committing more players forward, their backline became ever more open with only a fantastic last gasp block from Jamie Bowles and a smart save from Ciaran Miller preventing Milborne from adding to their score.

However, time was against a Stur fight back and Milborne held on for a 1-0 win.

A disappointing afternoon for Stur but plenty of positives were shown with all the players contemplating on what might have been. 

NEXT GAME – PORTESHAM UNITED (HOME) 2pm K.O