DORSET PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 20TH DECEMBER 2025
DORCHESTER SPORTS 1 VERWOOD TOWN 0

Injuries, Holidays and Work-related problems decimated the squad, but we saw a real team effort produce a great performance and worthy of at least a point.

Dorchester was quick out of the blocks. Good defensive cover prevented entry into our box and a quick counter had Craciun slipping past his marker releasing Ford for a crack at goal. The side netting took the impact.

Good football from both sides made it an entertaining watch for the biased and unbiased.

We then watched a deterioration in refereeing decisions and an apparent need for constant discourse. It led wags in the stand asking if the ref had a lonely home life.!!!

Despite a series of challenging decisions, the game kept people on their toes with both sides in an attacking mode.

Defences were regularly tested with keepers keeping their sheets clean until the half time whistle.

Half Time. 0-0

Dorchester’s half time chat sparked energy, but we mastered the push and countered with Lane and Ford going close. Possession had edged towards the home side but this game brought a great reaction, and we soon had the opposition on the back foot.

Dicey decisions increased. Again a comment from the stand made people count the Dorchester players to see if they did have 12 on the park !!

10 minutes into the half a clash in our penalty box resulted in a penalty. Knibbs produced a flying save.

Both sides were now hell bent in pushing forward to take three points. Tackles got stronger but fair. Unfortunately, it led to a further need for the Ref to engage in several debates on his decisions. One prompted extra questions. Matt Pope asked for explanation on one decision and in answer the Ref embarked on sign language waving a yellow card and pointing to the Sin Bin. !!!!

Down to 10 men. We hit back with Matthews and Kerr linking to send Ionut down the right. A deep cross drifted over the bar.

Dorchester hit back. A good solid tackle stopped a left flank attack by the home side. The decision was a free kick. It was challenged. We were subjected to yet another debate between the Ref and our coach. The decision had to stand.

12 minutes had elapsed since Pope warmed the Sin Bin’s bench. The Refs attention was sought…..you’ve guessed it. The all important hearing aid wasn’t working.

In swept the free kick and a scramble in the box resulted in the ball slipping into the bottom corner of the net. 0-1.

Pope was waved on.

We pressured but the spectator was heard to say the 12 man opposition to us on the day was lucky to have pinched 3 points.

Result. 0. 1